57,000 DWT Bulk Carrier

Solution

Propeller Optimization + Shaft Generator

Project Details

This technical upgrade includes the installation of a shaft generator and propeller optimization. To enhance propulsion efficiency after adding the shaft generator, the Bucabon team provided a propeller optimization solution. The key features of this solution are: it improves hydrodynamic efficiency without requiring propeller replacement, increases shaft speed by approximately 9.5 revolutions per minute, thereby boosting the main engine's overall fuel efficiency, enhancing propeller light-load margin, improving propulsion system operational efficiency, and ensuring safer navigation. With minimal upgrade investment, the annual fuel savings exceed USD 400,000. The upgrade project has been completed. After the actual voyage, the client delightedly reported: After the retrofit, the vessel fully supports a 525 kW shaft generator load without changing the main engine gear position. The actual shaft speed increased by 10 revolutions per minute, resulting in a significant reduction in overall fuel consumption. The energy-saving effect far exceeded expectations! Due to the outstanding performance of this technical solution, the client has placed additional orders for flow-enhancing ducts and propeller optimization for two other vessel types.