Schottel SRP

The Schottel SRP (Schottel Rudderpropeller) is an azimuth thruster line from the German maker Schottel, the company whose founder Josef Becker built the first rudderpropeller in 1950. It combines a propeller with 360-degree azimuth steering in one Z-drive unit, so the full engine power becomes steerable thrust and a separate rudder is unnecessary. Drive comes through bevel gears in an L-drive or Z-drive layout from a diesel or electric prime mover, with fixed or controllable-pitch propellers, often in a nozzle for high bollard pull. SRP units power tugs, offshore supply vessels, and ferries.