SCHOTTEL, a global leader in marine propulsion systems, has been selected by Silverback Marine, a US aluminium workboat manufacturer, to equip a new OX-series tractor tug with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers type SRP 100. Designed in collaboration with Elliott Bay Design Group, the highly manoeuvrable tug is truck-transportable, with a compact size of just 7.9 meters long and 4.4 meters wide, making it ideal for rapid deployment in diverse operational environments. The vessel is being built for the US Department of Defence and is expected to be delivered in late 2025.
“Silverback spent over three years optimising the OX design, with a particular focus on identifying reliable suppliers,” explains Ian Gracey, CEO of Silverback Marine. “We consulted not only with experienced tug captains but also with maintenance mechanics. A clear trend emerged: Both captains and mechanics expressed great appreciation for the SCHOTTEL product. With its consistent focus on maneuverability, user-friendliness, and performance, SCHOTTEL proved itself the first choice for tug propulsion systems,” he summarizes the search for the optimal propulsion solution.
“We all know that every vessel requires regular maintenance and support – and SCHOTTEL has clearly established itself as a leader in this regard. Our team is excited to usher in a new era in the mini tug market. SCHOTTEL has clearly proven itself to be the partner of choice – for Silverback and, more importantly, for our customers. We look forward to exploring new horizons together with SCHOTTEL,” concludes Ian Gracey.
The Silverback OX-series tractor tug will be equipped with two SRP 100 azimuth drives, each with an input power of 216 kW and a propeller diameter of 850 mm. The SRP design fits seamlessly into the overall concept of the new tug series, which aims to deliver maximum performance in the smallest possible space. The 360-degree steerable SRP gives the vessel excellent manoeuvrability and combines bollard pull with a particularly compact design, allowing for space-saving installation on the tug.
This compact yet powerful tugboat is designed for towing and pushing operations. It can be easily transported by truck to locations and is designed to perform tasks typically reserved for much larger tugboats. Thanks to its manoeuvrability, shallow draft, and easy transportability, the vessel is extremely versatile.
