Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Group, in collaboration with Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) and Japan Marine United (JMU), has developed a propeller, which is designed to reduce 1.2% carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by improving fuel efficiency.
The highly efficient propeller was developed using the analysis of conditions of a propeller in operation on an ocean-going vessel.
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The analysis was made through the monitoring of cavitation and measuring the flow velocity around the propeller.
It has demonstrated that the simulation data matched the actual conditions to a high probability. It was also proved that the simulation data can be used to achieve further optimisation of propeller design and to ultimately improve fuel efficiency.
The new propeller is set to be installed on two newly built containerships that are expected to be delivered next year.
NYK said in a statement: “The propeller plays a major role in the propulsion of a ship, and computer simulations and test tanks are used to create an ideal shape, but the actual water flow around the propeller of an ocean-going vessel can be rather complex.
“The three companies involved in this project felt that a vessel’s environmental loads could be further reduced if they could accurately monitor the condition of an operational propeller on an ocean-going vessel and then design an optimal shape based on the results.”
NYK and its partners in this project are planning to continue to work with various shipping companies and shipbuilders to help build a sustainable society by offering solutions that improve the environmental performance of vessels.
