Brunvoll package for Reef Keeper

NORWEGIAN specialist Brunvoll has secured a contract to supply the propulsion, manoeuvring and DP2 system for the new Great Barrier Reef/Torres Strait emergency towage vessel.

Reef Keeper, a RAsalvor 6500 design by Canada’s Robert Allan Ltd, is being built for Smit Lamnalco to meet AMSA requirements at Rizhao GANGDA Shipbuilding (Shandong Port) in Shandong Province, China. A steel-cutting ceremony was held on 17 January.

The ETV is also intended to provide aids to navigation services and other marine services in the region and is to be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that optimizes the power generation system for the desired operational profile, including a bollard pull of 120 tonnes. Delivery is expected in 2026.

The package from Brunvoll consists of twin-screw propulsion, four tunnel thrusters and a highly advanced control system.

It includes Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system (BruCon PTC), Brunvoll’s Dynamic Positioning system (BruCon DP2), and Brunvoll’s Joystick control (BruCon JS). The DP system features Target Tracking which allows the vessel to follow objects, such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

The twin screw propulsion solution consists of a pair of controllable pitch propellers with reduction gearboxes and nozzles. The propellers will have a maximum power output of 3800 kW each, and a diameter of 3.5 metres.

The gearboxes also feature Power Take-Out (PTO) and Power Take-In (PTI), which allows for a broad variety of operational modes. All the different modes are available both in normal operation and while the vessel is in DP2 operation as well.

Oddbjørn Følsvik, VP Sales at Brunvoll, said: “The control system for this vessel is one of the most advanced systems to date by Brunvoll. We have been working with this project for quite a while, and it is outer most rewarding when it finally comes together. All disciplines in Brunvoll have been working closely together with the owner and designer to realise this project, and even though the schedule is tight we will deliver on time.”

The system will feature the following operational modes:

• PTO – Main engines and shaft generators running PTO on both sides, delivering both power for propulsion and electricity on board.
• PTI – Propulsion on both sides running by the electrical motors, powered either by auxiliary motors or batteries. In lower load conditions, this mode can be used to avoid starting up the larger main engine and instead run smaller engines on more optimal load conditions.
• Hybrid – One side runs PTO and the other runs PTI, i.e. one main engine power both propellers. Adding further flexibility and optimal running of engines.
• Bollard pull – Both sides powered by main engines and PTI, for maximum bollard pull. This boost mode takes out the full power of the vessel to support special operations, like towing or anchor handling.
• Fire Fighting – FIFI pumps engaged with less power available for propulsion, to avoid overloading the main engine.