Finnish propulsion specialist Steerprop has secured its first yacht project. The newbuild will be equipped with two compact SP 8 contra-rotating azimuth propulsors, each rated at 700 kW.
A yacht currently under construction for a private owner will become the first vessel to be equipped with Steerprop’s smallest contra-rotating propeller (CRP) units to date. The order also marks the Finnish company’s entry into the yacht market.
The vessel will be fitted with two SP 8 CRP azimuth propulsors, each with an output of 700 kW. The system uses two contra-rotating propellers. According to Steerprop, this configuration delivers high thrust in relation to the installed power.
As a result, the propulsion units can be more compact than comparable single-propeller systems while providing the same level of thrust – an important advantage for yachts where installation space is limited.
The shipyard and further details of the newbuild have not been disclosed. Steerprop said it developed the propulsion solution in close cooperation with the yachtbuilder, with a particular focus on meeting the owner’s performance requirements while also providing lifecycle value.
Compact propulsion for limited installation space
“Achieving the highest possible thrust within the very tight space constraints of a yacht design was a decisive factor in securing this contract,” said Markku Miinala, Director of the Cruise & Ferry Segment at Steerprop. He added that the order also demonstrates the suitability of the company’s CRP technology for the yacht segment.
Steerprop has been supplying larger CRP propulsion systems for more than two decades, particularly for demanding Arctic and offshore applications. By scaling down the technology, the company is now targeting vessels with lower installed power requirements. In addition to yachts, Steerprop sees potential applications in tugboats, river cruise vessels and ferries.
The company sold its first CRP azimuth propulsor around 25 years ago for the river cruise vessel “River Aria”.
The new SP 8 combines Steerprop’s contra-rotating propeller technology with a permanent magnet drive and pressure lubrication. According to the manufacturer, these features reduce mechanical losses and further improve the overall efficiency of the propulsion system.
