Damen Marine Components (DMC) has supplied the steering systems for the vessel that was named ‘Ship of the Year 2019’ at this year’s Nor-Shipping event in Oslo.
The contract calls for the supply of two Van der Velden TIMON rudders with patented ART and bulb, and two Van der Velden COMMANDER rotary vane steering systems, for the ropax ‘Color Hybrid’ which, when completed, will be the world’s largest plug-in pybrid vessel.
The high lift TIMON flap rudder is ideal for ropaxes and other medium and high-speed vessels that require excellent manoeuvring capability, Damen claimed.
With its TIMON slide-bar system and high lift performance, it ensures smooth pressure distribution while avoiding pressure peaks and delivers low drag and saves on energy. It is also easy to maintain with water lubricated bearing and low cavitation erosion.
Van der Velden COMMANDER rotary vane steering gear is ideal for all commercial oceangoing vessels with its simple, robust and compact design. With only one movable part, it ensures trouble-free, maintenance-free operation for more than 60,000 hours at a time, and each has a second-generation compact actuator for the smoothest possible rudder movements. Mounted inside closed housings, DMC’s sealing technology prevents internal leakage and offers a greatly extended seal life.
Designed by Fosen Yard for Color Line, ‘Color Hybrid’ is nearing completion at the Ulstein Verft yard in Norway. She is due to begin operations on the Sandefjord, Norway/Strömstad, Sweden route.
Measuring 160 m in length and with a beam of 27.1 m, the vessel has capacity for up to 2,000 pax and 500 cars, at speeds of up to 17 knots. With a battery package of 4.7 MW/h, the vessel will be able to sail up to 12 nautical miles solely on battery power. Shore power for charging will be available at Sandefjord. She is classed with DNV GL.
DMC specialises in customised solutions covering every aspect of manoeuvring from rudders and streamline bodies to steering gear and propeller nozzles. Complete, optimised packages can be delivered using FEED (front end engineering design). This technique studies of all the relevant hydrodynamic aspects of interactions between a ship’s stern, its propeller(s) and the rudder(s).
Wim Knoester, DMC’s Director Sales and Marketing, commented: “Thanks to the good co-operation with our partner Brunvoll and due to their Integrated Costa Propulsion (Brunvoll ICP) we have been able to optimise the manoeuvring system of this outstanding ship, giving our customer the most efficient and environmental friendly performance.”
