Improving vessel energy efficiency is an important part of the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. While hull performance often receives significant attention, the condition of a vessel’s propeller also plays an important role in maintaining propulsion efficiency throughout its operating cycle.

Propspeed has joined RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program, bringing its expertise in biocide-free, foul-release propeller coatings to a collaborative network focused on advancing safer and more sustainable maritime operations.

Through the Program, Propspeed aims to raise awareness of the role propeller surface condition plays in vessel performance and how coating technologies can help shipowners and managers manage efficiency losses associated with biofouling and propeller surface condition.

Addressing the Impact of Propeller Fouling on Vessel Efficiency

A vessel’s propulsion efficiency depends on several factors, including the condition of its hull and propeller surfaces. Over time, operational wear, marine growth, corrosion, cavitation erosion and mechanical damage can increase surface roughness, affecting the flow of water across propeller blades.

As surface roughness increases, more power may be required to maintain vessel speed, contributing to higher fuel consumption, operating costs and associated emissions.

Although propellers account for a relatively small proportion of a vessel’s total wetted surface area, fouling on these surfaces can have a disproportionately large effect on propulsion efficiency.

The extent of deterioration depends on factors such as vessel operating conditions, trading patterns, ports of call and periods spent idle. Managing propeller surface condition is therefore an important consideration in maintaining vessel performance between scheduled dry dockings.

Protecting Propeller Performance Through Foul-Release Technology

Propspeed has developed a biocide-free coating system specifically designed for propeller surfaces, helping protect propeller efficiency by reducing surface roughness, while also limiting the accumulation of marine growth and its impact on performance.

The system consists of two components: an etching primer that bonds to the metal substrate and a silicone-based foul-release topcoat. Together, they create an ultra-smooth, hydrophobic surface that helps reduce propeller surface roughness and makes it more difficult for marine organisms to adhere.

Applied during scheduled dry docking, the coating is designed to help preserve propeller surface condition as vessels return to service and throughout their operating cycle.

This approach addresses a particular challenge in marine coating applications. Propellers operate in demanding environments, where coatings must withstand mechanical and operational stresses while maintaining adhesion and foul-release properties.

By helping reduce surface roughness from day of application and limiting additional roughness caused by biofouling, Propspeed’s technology aims to support more consistent propulsion efficiency between dockings.

Supporting Fuel Efficiency and More Sustainable Operations

Maintaining propeller efficiency has implications beyond vessel performance. By reducing the additional power demand associated with increased surface roughness, effective propeller maintenance can contribute to lower fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Propspeed’s approach also considers the environmental implications of biofouling management.

Its coating system does not rely on biocides to discourage marine growth. Instead, the silicone-based surface is designed to make it harder for organisms to attach, supporting biofouling management while potentially reducing the risk of transferring invasive aquatic species between marine environments.

The foul-release properties may also reduce the need for repeated underwater propeller polishing during a coating’s service life. Where this reduces the frequency of diving interventions, it could help limit associated costs and occupational safety exposure.

These potential benefits illustrate how attention to a specific component of vessel performance can contribute to broader operational and sustainability objectives. Actual efficiency improvements and fuel savings will depend on vessel-specific conditions and operating practices.

Advancing Maritime Sustainability Through Collaboration

Propspeed’s participation in RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program reflects a shared interest in practical technologies that can contribute to safer and more sustainable maritime operations.

Through the Program, Propspeed aims to encourage greater industry awareness of propeller efficiency and its contribution to vessel energy performance. This includes promoting a more considered approach to propeller maintenance alongside other vessel efficiency measures.

RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program brings together organisations across the maritime supply chain to encourage the development and adoption of technologies and solutions that support the industry’s journey towards Zero Harm. By fostering knowledge sharing and long-term collaboration, the Program aims to support coordinated progress on safety and sustainability challenges.

As part of this network, Propspeed brings a focused approach to managing propeller surface condition and its implications for vessel efficiency.

RightShip looks forward to working with Propspeed to encourage knowledge exchange and greater awareness of practical approaches that can support more efficient and environmentally responsible maritime operations.