Cutting-Edge Steering Solution for Icebreaker Unveiled by Damen Marine Components

In a notable accomplishment in the fabrication of the Antarctic Supply Research Vessel (ASRV) Nuyina for the Australian government’s Antarctic Division, Damen Marine Components (DMC) has successfully completed the supply and installation of various critical systems. These components were designed to exceptionally high standards to withstand the ice the vessel will encounter in the Southern Ocean. DMC, operating under its Van der Velden Marine Systems brand, is responsible for the comprehensive engineering and manufacturing of the rudder and steering gear system.

The rudders are specifically unique in design. They were conceptualized and engineered by lead project firm Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding as free-hanging, full-spade rudders. These designs optimize hydrodynamic efficiency, yet have, until now, been unprecedented for an icebreaking vessel of this caliber, considering the forces involved. Other groundbreaking features include the integrated mechanical rudder stoppers, positioned between the rudder blade and the hull skeg structure, rather than on the outer hull due to its innovative design.

In order to provide all necessary steering system components from the bridge to the rudder—including hydraulics, control, and power systems—while meeting unmatched performance requirements, DMC combined its expertise with that of MacGregor Hatlapa (MacGregor). Adhering to DMC’s specifications, MacGregor produced and supplied the steering gear assemblies and the hydraulic systems that activate them, based on a specially tailored version of its acclaimed Poseidon series. DMC delivered the rudder system, neck and carrier bearing systems, steering gear foundations, electrical systems, and the primary steering control system.

With numerous systems exceeding the typical design and construction limits for icebreakers, DMC collaborated closely with Lloyds Register’s polar division throughout the project to ensure that the requisite standards were both established and achieved. The results of this collaboration include rudders that are, by far, the heaviest per square meter that DMC has ever manufactured, alongside rudder stocks boasting a diameter exceeding 1000 mm. This, combined with the materials utilized, made them particularly challenging to produce and install.

These high-specification components are vital for the vessel’s safe and reliable operation. The combination of icebreaker classification and a high polar class rating necessitates enhancements to the vessel’s structural integrity, meaning that, while its maximum design speed is approximately 16 knots, most components had to be engineered to endure theoretical speeds surpassing 31 knots.

This collaborative approach was chosen due to DSNS’s need for reliable technology and a single supplier, with specifications exceeding the capabilities of any off-the-shelf products from DMC or its leading competitors to withstand the expected forces.

Despite measuring only 160 meters in length, the stresses applied to the hull and its components are comparable to those found on a conventional vessel measuring 300 meters or longer. MacGregor, possessing an existing product capable of delivering the required performance after a few adjustments and located just 20 minutes away from the DMC engineering department in Hamburg, was the exemplary partner for this endeavor.

The ASRV is currently under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati and is slated for delivery in April 2020.