Brunvoll has signed a contract with Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan for the delivery of comprehensive propulsion and manoeuvring packages for three shuttle tankers for Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS (KNOT). While the exact contract value is undisclosed, Brunvoll can confirm that it is in the range of several hundred million NOK. The contract also includes one optional vessel.
Brunvoll’s delivery for the vessel comprises of both the main propulsion and manoeuvring package. The main propulsion consists of a controllable pitch propeller with a diameter of 8.8 metres, delivering 14.000 kW, and an OD-box. The OD-box is a unit distributing oil to the propeller, to control the pitch of the propeller blades. Furthermore, the vessels will be supplied with three retractable azimuth thrusters and three tunnel thrusters from Brunvoll.
Share for shuttle tankers
“The shuttle tanker market can be characterised by demanding clients with high standards and highly advanced vessels. We at Brunvoll are therefore proud of having over 75% market share for shuttle tankers with dynamic positioning, having supplied over 60 vessels during the last couple of decades."
"This record-breaking order not only underscores our position in the market but also secures significant activity at our factories in both Molde and Volda in the coming years. I would like to thank Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers for the trust they have shown us once again. I believe this collaboration will benefit both parties, driving innovation and efficiency in the industry," says Kåre Øyvind Vassdal, Group CEO of Brunvoll.
Maintenance of the thruster unit
Retractable azimuth thrusters are of a newly set plan with a key that allows for service
The retractable azimuth thrusters are of a newly developed design with a solution that allows for service and maintenance of the thruster unit without dry docking the vessel. This feature is quite valuable due to the sheer size of the vessels, making it hard to find suitable drydocks, which often have long waiting lists. The operational nature of shuttle tankers, often on long contracts with expensive offhire clauses, is also a factor.
"As General Manager of our shipbuilding division, I am pleased to announce Brunvoll as our propulsion supplier for these vessels. This decision is rooted in Brunvoll's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and exceptional service. Brunvoll's dedication to developing new solutions, such as the retractable azimuth thruster with full serviceability while floating, will give us a competitive advantage," says Tom Knutsen, General Manager New Building at Knutsen Oas Shipping AS.
Global service network
Knutsen added: "Furthermore, their comprehensive global service network has provided us with the confidence that our vessels will receive top-notch support throughout their operational life."
The vessels are designed and built by Cosco Heavy Zhoushan and will have a length of 279 metres, a beam of 48 metres, and a cargo capacity of 154,000 deadweight tons. The vessels will be Zhoushan’s new building no. 1227, 1228, and 1229. KNOT already has two vessels under construction at Zhoushan. KNOT owns and operates 18 vessels today, 14 of which feature Brunvoll equipment on board.
