Clean propellers improve fuel efficiency

With the IMO deadline of 1 January 2023 looming for vessel owners to get their Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII) certification, the race is on to find ways to achieve both within seven months.

Industry is not unaware of the need for more technologies to assist in reaching these targets, and SeaTec, the technical services division of global ship management company V.Group, claims its propeller-polishing services could be one answer.

Propellers that have not been cleaned for years are likely to have formed barnacles and other hard fouling that not only slow vessels down but also have an impact on fuel efficiency.

“Factoring in a relatively small investment in regular propeller polishes is an easy way to reduce environmental impact,” says Sea-Tec, which has a team of divers to undertake repairs and maintenance underwater. “A propeller with a large amount of biofouling can have a massive impact on fuel efficiency.

“From a regulatory point of view, large amount of biofouling can negatively impact a vessels CII rating. With the IMO deadline looming, it’s never been more important to take actions to reduce emissions.”