Norway-based maritime system supplier Brunvoll AS has signed a contract with Westcon Yards for the delivery of an array of products to new pelagic fishing vessel Quantus – for owner MV Quantus Limited and Peter & J Johnstone Limited, based in Peterhead, UK.
Brunvoll’s delivery for Quantus will consist of the main propulsion and gear, the BruCon Propulsion and Thruster Control (PTC) system, an aft tunnel thruster, and a Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster in the bow.
The main features of the Combi thruster are to act as tunnel thruster in upper position, and as azimuth manoeuvring and propulsion unit when lowered.
According to Brunvoll, the Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster can provide value in various operations from added manoeuvring capability at port, to providing extra thrust and increased manoeuvrability in fishing operations by keeping the vessel on course in conditions which would else cause drift-off. The Combi thruster can also reduce fuel consumption by avoiding inefficient use of the rudder and main propulsion.
Brunvoll explained that another reason for installing a Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster is as a propulsion unit further away from the fishing gear during hauling or pumping, helps to avoid damage and disruption. Also, using the Retractable Azimuth Combi during pumping operation at stern can allow for completely stopping the main propeller and avoid trawl rotation in the flow out from the propeller, often called propeller wake.
The new vessel has been designed by Salt Ship Design and will be delivered by the yard by the end of 2025.
MV Quantus Limited and Peter & J Johnstone Limited previously installed Brunvoll thrusters on their other fishing vessels.
