Rudder Bulbs / High-efficiency Rudders
Integrating advanced hydrodynamic design for improved maneuvering.
Overview
Rudder bulbs and high-efficiency rudder designs integrate advanced hydrodynamic design to improve maneuvering and reduce resistance behind the propeller. Custom-optimized for each vessel's operating profile, delivering measurable fuel savings with minimal investment.
How It Works
- 1A rudder bulb is a streamlined fairing installed at the rudder leading edge, directly behind the propeller hub.
- 2It smooths the flow transition from propeller to rudder, reducing the drag caused by the propeller hub vortex.
- 3High-efficiency rudder profiles further optimize the flow field, improving maneuvering response and reducing rudder-induced resistance.
- 4Each design is custom-optimized using CFD simulation and validated through model-scale tank testing.
Key Benefits
- ✓Improved maneuvering performance
- ✓Reduced resistance behind the propeller
- ✓Custom-optimized for each vessel
- ✓Minimal investment, measurable savings
Applicable Vessel Types
- ▸28,400 DWT MPV
- ▸208,000 DWT Newcastle Carrier
- ▸21,000 DWT Chemical Tanker
- ▸105,000–108,000 DWT Aframax Tankers
- ▸700–900 TEU Container Ships
- ▸4,800 TEU Container Ship
- ▸6,200–6,300 PCTC
- ▸60,000 CBM LPG
Specifications
- Fuel Saving
- Custom
- Vessel Types
- All rudder-driven vessels
- Installation
- Retrofit or newbuild
- Class Approval
- CCS, ABS, BV, DNV, LR, RINA, NK, KR, RS
FAQ
What fuel saving can rudder bulbs deliver?
Fuel savings are custom-optimized per vessel and depend on hull form and operating profile. Based on our experience, rudder bulb retrofits typically deliver measurable savings with a payback period of 4–12 months.
Can rudder bulbs be combined with other ESDs?
Yes. Rudder bulbs are frequently combined with pre-shrouded ducts, PBCF, and propeller optimization for compounded fuel savings. Our team will recommend the optimal combination during the assessment.
Success Cases
Installed on vessels from 28,400 DWT MPVs to 208,000 DWT Newcastle carriers
Frequently combined with pre-shrouded ducts and PBCF for compounded savings