The multi-year project, which includes participation by other universities, will explore how the performance of devices including propellers, mewis ducts, rudder bulbs and boss fin caps can be more accurately modelled. This will enable devices to be better tailored to individual vessels for greater efficiency gains, as well as allowing for more accurate measurement of efficiency benefits.

The announcement was made as MAN and Odfjell celebrated the completion of a 19-vessel retrofit project. The companies noted that the project – which included reducing main engine output for a lower service speed as well as installing new Kappel propeller blades, fairing cones and rudder bulbs – had led to fuel savings of around 20%.

As reported, the project was originally planned for eleven 37,500dwt Kvaerner class vessels, but was extended to include eight Poland class vessels of 40,000dwt later in the year after strong initial results.

MAN Diesel & Turbo presented Odfjell Tankers with a replica of the retrofitted propeller and rudder, described as the project’s “twentieth hull”, at Nor Shipping in Oslo last week.

ViraMaritime.com