SCHOTTEL has been selected by the Spanish shipyard GONDAN to supply the propulsion system for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s latest vessel, POLE STAR. The ship was officially named on January 21, 2026, by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board.
POLE STAR is designed for the maintenance and servicing of lighthouses, buoys, and other navigation aids, necessitating high maneuverability and reliable propulsion. It features two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers (SRP 460 LE) and two TransverseThrusters (STT 2), ensuring system redundancy and enhanced operational safety. This configuration supports its advanced dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing for precise station-keeping in challenging conditions.
In line with the NLB’s sustainability goals, the SRPs are installed in the LE-Drive variant, which integrates the electric drive motor without an upper gearbox. This results in improved mechanical efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower noise and vibration levels. The STTs also feature an elastically mounted installation to further enhance onboard comfort and allow for easy maintenance inspections.
Equipped with SCHOTTEL LeaCon, a DNV-approved seal monitoring system, the thrusters provide reliable protection against seawater contamination while enabling early detection of wear. The new POLE STAR replaces an older vessel of the same name, continuing its legacy of conducting hydrographic surveys and servicing across Scotland and the Isle of Man.
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