TECHNOLOGY
Supporting the World from Beneath the Sea
The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the smartphones we use—many of the things that support our daily lives are transported across the sea. Ships, which carry about 90% of the world's logistics, are truly the lifeline of society. And the technology that keeps those ships moving is what we provide.
But we don’t just make propellers.
“Improving fuel efficiency by just 1%”—that alone can significantly reduce the amount of CO₂ emitted by ships around the world in a single year.
“Helping a single ship operate longer and healthier”—that alone can change how resources are used across society.
The power that moves a ship is the power that moves the world.
Nakashima Propeller will continue to drive the future forward with reliable technology.
Supporting a Ship’s Entire Lifetime—Our Technological Foundation
As a “comprehensive propulsion system manufacturer,” we have designed and manufactured propellers and thrusters for all types of vessels—from fishing boats to large commercial ships.
By continuously facing the challenge of propulsion—the very function that moves ships—
we have grown from simply providing good products to becoming a partner that supports the full value of a ship.
Design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and research & development—
the accumulation of all these efforts is the unwavering source of evolution for Nakashima.
Optimizing Propulsion Performance Throughout the Vessel Life Cycle
As environmental impact reduction and the improvement of ship operation efficiency are increasingly required, we have focused not only on the propeller itself, but on “optimizing propulsion performance for the entire ship.”
This includes not only the optimal design of propellers for newly built vessels, but also the development of energy-saving devices around the stern, real-time analysis of operational conditions and performance of ships in service, appropriate maintenance based on those analyses, and even redesigning through “retrofit” to replace the propeller with one optimized for actual operating conditions.
Continuing to address the challenges faced by our customers involved in ship operation even after product delivery, we at Nakashima Propeller make it our mission to support optimal propulsion performance throughout the entire 20-year life cycle of the vessel.
What We Have Achieved
Our goal is to “provide optimal propulsion performance throughout the entire life of the vessel.”
From the design stage to operation, maintenance, and eventual replacement,
we offer value through a multifaceted approach to ensure ships continue to perform at their full potential.
Development of Energy-Saving Devices
We have focused not only on improving the performance of propellers alone,
but also on developing Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) that convert the water flow around the stern into propulsion power.
We design and manufacture a variety of devices in-house—such as bulbs that streamline stern flow,and duct-type systems that correct the wake behind the propeller—enhancing propulsion efficiency.
Based on CFD analysis and test results, we propose the optimal combination tailored to ship type and operational conditions,
contributing to overall fuel savings and reduced environmental impact.
Health Monitoring and Operational Analysis
How do propellers and energy-saving devices actually perform at sea?
We collect and analyze operational data to visualize the vessel’s health condition.
By combining CFD and simulation-based operational analysis, we continuously evaluate not just individual products, but the overall efficiency and economics of the ship.
We propose optimal solutions that are tailored to the real operational conditions of each vessel.
Retrofit
Based on actual operational records after a vessel enters service, we offer proposals for “retrofit” – replacing existing propellers with redesigned, higher-efficiency ones. By leveraging our accumulated expertise and CFD technology, we provide optimal propeller designs tailored to the vessel's current operating conditions, even if they differ from the original design assumptions, enabling highly efficient propulsion in real-world environments.
Toward Our Centennial and Beyond: Optimizing Performance at Sea
As Nakashima Propeller approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, we are setting our sights on the next decade with a new business vision: “Beyond Propulsion.”
Our goal is a future where all vessels sail safely, comfortably, and efficiently—on every ocean. A ship where crew members can work with peace of mind. A smart vessel that excels in fuel efficiency and is gentle on the environment.
Building on our longstanding technical expertise and spirit, we will continue to deliver high-quality and innovative products and services.
Propelling
On Nakashima Propeller's brand site “Propelling,” we introduce in greater detail the technologies and state-of-the-art facilities that optimize ship propulsion performance.
