Finnish propulsion expert Steerprop has been selected to supply a full propulsion system for a new Rock Installation Vessel, ‘George W. Goethals’, commissioned by leading dredging and offshore contractor Jan De Nul, featuring the largest ducted propulsors in the company’s history.
The heavy-duty vessel, the third of its kind in Jan De Nul’s fleet, is designed primarily to work in the offshore energy sector, installing rock to protect cables on the seabed. To meet the demanding operational profile, the propulsion system must provide exceptional power and reliability—capable of propelling a vessel of up to 37,000 tonnes—while also offering high efficiency during transit and precise manoeuvrability during installation operations.
According to Juho Rekola, Director, Sales & Project Management, Steerprop, this project exemplifies the company’s ability to meet extreme technical demands: “When propulsion demand pushes the limits of engineering, that’s where Steerprop excels. Our track record—ranging from icebreakers to some of the world’s most powerful offshore vessels—demonstrates our ability to deliver beyond expectations. We’re proud to once again meet Jan De Nul’s high standards and to support the shipyard with our deep integration expertise.”
The rock installation vessel will feature two main mechanical azimuth Steerprop Pushing Propulsors, each delivering more than 3 MW of power. With ducted propellers measuring 3.6 meters in diameter, these units are designed to deliver exceptional thrust and reliability under demanding operating conditions. Considering Steerprop’s robust dimensioning principles, they represent the largest ducted units ever produced by the company.The propulsion package will also include two Steerprop Tunnel Thrusters and two Steerprop Retractable Thrusters, ensuring precise maneuverability and optimal performance across all operating profiles.
This order continues the trusted cooperation between Steerprop and Jan De Nul, which has selected full Steerprop propulsion packages for the two largest advanced cable-laying vessels in the world.
Jan Van de Velde, Director Newbuilding at Jan De Nul said that the new vessel reflects the company’s commitment to technical excellence and operational capability: “Our decades of hands-on experience in subsea rock installation have enabled us to design this state-of-the-art vessel entirely in-house. Partnering once again with Steerprop ensures that we can rely on robust and efficient propulsion performance, meeting the exact requirements of our offshore energy projects.”
