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Power & Propulsion

$7m Research Into Propulsion System Coatings

23 Jan 2008

A strategic alliance between Rolls-Royce and UCT Coatings Inc. is bringing new technology to the marine market and is about to start work on a $7m U.S. Navy research contract.
Rolls-Royce products such as the Ulstein Aquamaster azimuthing thruster could benefit from the new technology.
Rolls-Royce products such as the Ulstein Aquamaster azimuthing thruster could benefit from the new technology.

Headquarterd at Stuart in Florida USA, UCT has developed and patented a family of performance coatings that can be applied to most metal surfaces including lighter weight metals like aluminium and titanium.

The contract, placed with Rolls-Royce, will evaluate UCT’s  UltraCem nickel boron coatings on naval propulsion systems such as propellers and waterjets.

These coatings have the capability to change the hydrodynamic performance, cavitation characteristics and sea-growth fouling of propellers and waterjets.

Performance, reliability and time between repair of marine equipment can also be increased by reduced friction and wear.

UCT has granted Rolls-Royce a long-term exclusive license to use this technology for a wide range of commercial and naval marine equipment.

Andy Marsh, president of Rolls-Royce US naval operations, said, 'This research contract will allow us to improve many current products and develop several new product concepts. We also intend to work closely with our customers to apply this technology on non-Rolls-Royce equipment. UltraCem is a very exciting and versatile emerging marine coating technology.'

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Rolls-Royce products such as the Ulstein Aquamaster azimuthing thruster could benefit from the new technology.

All images copyright © Mercator Media 2008

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