Propeller cleaning & polishing
Underwater repairs, maintenance and inspection for the international merchant fleet.
Propeller cleaning & polishing
When the reduction in ship performance is associated with the condition of the ship hull, the effect of the propeller surface condition is often overlooked. Nevertheless, the effect can be significant.
The effect of the propeller surface condition is less important than the hull condition, but significantly more important in terms of energy loss per unit area. In economic terms, high return of a relatively cheap investment can be obtained by propeller polishing.
When considering the propeller surface condition a distinction has to be made between fouling and surface deterioration coupled with an increase in propeller roughness.
Propeller polishing will not only save fuel but also a well-cleaned propeller gains speed.
The best efficiency on your fuel investments. Therefore a well maintained polished propeller is a cost and time effective asset for a vessel, a low investment with high return.
The trick in establishing the best practices for propeller polishing and maintenance
is to work out a routine for propeller cleaning which permits rapid, easy propeller cleaning which is frequent enough to minimise the fuel penalty from propeller roughness and fouling and which results in the minimum removal of propeller material in order to achieve a smooth, fuel-efficient surface.
Propeller polishing is very important to get the most of your engine, it’s the quickest way to reduce fuel consumption.
Propeller polishing is applicable for all vessels and vessel ages.
The propeller may be polished twice a year. This is either performed by a diver while the ship is berthed and loading cargo or when the ship is in dry-dock. The fuel cost for the ship will be reduced from improved propeller efficiency since the power loss in the system will be decreased.
For more info on propeller cleaning & polishing during ship operations contact FN Diving.
