When marine growth accumulates on a propeller’s surface or surface roughness increases due to aging, propeller efficiency lowers and fuel consumption increases. To lower fuel consumption, fuel-saving polishing, where propeller blades are polished to reduce blade roughness, is effective.

Various test records and data show how propeller surface roughness influences propeller efficiency. A comparison between a highly polished propeller with a roughness of 12 m Rz (approx. 3 μRa) and one finished with a rough grinder to a roughness of 50 μm Rz (approx.10 μRa) indicates a difference of approx. 3.5 % in efficiency and 1.7 rpm at equal horsepower.

Fuel-saving polishing procedures

1. Polishing in dry-dock (Polishing can be performed with the propeller attached on the shaft)
2. Polishing underwater (Polishing can be performed when the ship is anchored or when loading or unloading cargo)

Download brochure