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Nakashima Propeller is a general manufacturer of marine propellers and other propulsion equipment. Nakashima Propeller provides reliable propulsion equipment for vessels navigating the world’s oceans and seas.
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Main propulsion systems
CFRP Propeller
Nakashima Propeller has succeeded in developing the world’s first CFRP propeller aimed at commercial vessels. Special characteristics such as ‘highly efficient’, ‘quiet’ and ‘lightweight’ allow for outstanding performance, obtained by making full use of material properties.
In 2015, Nakashima Propeller won the Prime Minister’s Prize at the 6th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Awards, with the title «developing the world’s first carbon fiber-reinforced plastic propeller for merchant ships in order to realize energy savings.
Special Characteristics
Lightweight
- Weight is 1/5th of conventional NAP propellers, making installation easy.
- Shaft diameter is reduced due to lower moment of inertia.
High Strength
- Higher material fatigue resistance than conventional materials, increasing reliability.
Low Vibration
- High damping performance drastically reduces vibration.
- Improved living conditions
Overload Reduction
- The shape of the blade is able to deform slightly to match water flow, reducing overload in case of rough conditions such as storms.
High Performance
- Propeller efficiency is improved through a larger diameter.
- Cavitation occurece is suppressed.
Improved Maintenance
- If stocking spare blades, damaged blades can be replaced quickly.
- Exchanging blades requires no special expertise, and blades can also be repaired
Reduced Torsional Vibration Stress
Because CFRP is both lighter and stronger than conventional NAB material, both propeller weight and moment of inertia are lower, reducing torsional vibration stress.
CFRP has a higher damping ration than conventional NAB material, leading to both suppressed singing and reduced torsional vibration stress.
Elastic Deformation
By deforming in the direction of pitch reduction due to increased load, during stormy weather (rapid load change) or acceleration, engine overload can be suppressed by letting energy escape through flow-induced elastic deformation.
Suppressing Cavitation
A CFRP propeller deforms according to load conditions, suppressing cavitation, leading to reduced stern vibration.
CFRP Propeller Lineup
(merchant ship)
(fishing boat)
(merchant ship)
Our CFRP propeller is already in use on chemical tankers, ferries, fishing boats, etc.
