Table Of Content

ABB supplied the vessel's power and electric propulsion systems, as well as the Octopus (smart energy management system). While mechanical propulsion is optimized for a single-speed, electric propulsion is based on rotating speed control resulting in energy efficiency at all speeds. ABB's propulsion also improves passenger comfort as the ship runs much more quietly and smoothly. ABB's Octopus marine technology allows real-time monitoring of the vessel's energy (and fuel) consumption.
Time Traveling Through Miami’s Historical Wonders

A higher-pitch propeller shaft speed can improve your boat's top speed, while a lower pitch can enhance its acceleration capabilities. Keep in mind that striking the right balance between pitch and diameter is crucial for optimal performance. Both your boat's hull and drive train significantly impact propeller spin speed.
How Long Will the Biofuel Testing Period on Celebrity Apex and Symphony of the Seas Last?
Boat hull design, size, and weight also play a crucial role in selecting the correct propeller. A well-designed propeller should prevent cavitation and minimize vibrations. Thus we conclude by saying that in ship design and building process, design of ship propellers play a catalytic role. Thus the basic knowledge of propellers is useful for designers to optimise its design aesthetics for various working loads and types of operations, aimed at achieving maximum efficiency. Ship propeller is used for propulsion in most types of vessels, irrespective of their type and size.
Related Articles
There are unavoidable losses due to resistance (viscous and wave-making) and other factors such as losses in the engine-shafting mechanism, wave-induced events in the slipstream and cavitation. The shaft transmits the power delivered from the engine (with losses, of course!) and in turn, rotates the blades mounted on the hub/boss. But before delving deeper, it is crucial to go through the fundamentals in the geometry of ship propeller. After the era of those large sails governing the manoeuvrability and powering the ship, propellers became the most conventional means of driving the ship in the seas. Exploring the potential of biofuel in the cruise industry demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Propeller blades come in various configurations, ranging from three blades to four blades, and sometimes even five blades. However, the most commonly used options are three-blade and four-blade propellers. Notably, Ericsson's innovative spirit extended to the construction of a formidable "big frigate" for the U.S. His crowning achievement in naval engineering came with the design and construction of the Monitor, a vessel that played a pivotal role in the Union Navy during the Civil War. Impressively, he accomplished this feat within a mere 100 working days, solidifying his status as a pioneering figure in the annals of maritime history.
Royal Caribbean Cancels Sailing Due to Propulsion Issue - Cruise Hive
Royal Caribbean Cancels Sailing Due to Propulsion Issue.
Posted: Sat, 02 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Both self-unloading dry bulk vessels were China-built (by Chengxi Shipyard Co Ltd / subsidiary of CSSC) and scheduled for deliveries in 2021. Cunard QE2, for example, consumes daily 380 tons of fuel when traveling at 29 knots speed and carries fuel enough to sail for 12 days. Usually, ships fill up at various seaports and use fueling barges as floating gas stations. Vessels use lower-grade diesel which tends not to burn as purely as diesel-powered road-going vehicles.
These massive propellers are carefully engineered to provide the necessary thrust to move these colossal vessels through the water, ensuring smooth and efficient navigation. Efficiency improvements and future developments in cruise ship propellers are essential for the maritime industry to reduce its environmental impact and improve its efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more advanced propulsion systems and designs in the future. The use of alternative fuels and electric propulsion systems will also become more prevalent, making cruise ships more sustainable and environmentally friendly. When it comes to cruise ship propellers, you’ll be amazed by the immense size and dimensions that play a crucial role in powering these floating giants. Cruise ship propellers are typically massive in size, with diameters ranging from 15 to 40 feet.
Gas fuel eliminates all the bad emissions - soot and sulfur oxides. In April 2016 MSC Cruises announced its contract with STX France for up to four LNG-powered ships with GT over 200,000 tons each. The new MSC ships have 5400 passengers capacity at double occupancy each. Gas turbine engines (being aero-derivative) generate heat which is transformed from mechanical energy into electricity. Hot exhaust is made over a turbine that spins to drive mechanically a shaft. The same way works diesel-electric engines, yet they use a direct drive system, not a turbine.
This provides the necessary strength to be able to move through the water, and it is resistant to rust, too. Those tend to belong to container ships – just imagine how much power is needed to push a giant ship full of heavy containers. The MSC Oscar has propellers that are 10.5 metres or approximately 35 feet in diameter. The size and number of propellers on a cruise ship can vary depending on the model and make. Some newer ships have six propellers – two on either side of the ship near the front and back. We all know the story of the Titanic of how the biggest ship of its time sank after it struck an iceberg.
This parameter indicates the depth to which the propeller is fitted onto the shaft. Ensuring the correct push-up length is crucial for maintaining the propeller's optimal position and alignment. Any deviations from the specified push-up length can lead to inefficiencies, vibrations, or even damage to the propulsion system. Therefore, accurate measurement and documentation of this parameter are integral to the installation process.
These engines create heat that goes from mechanical energy to electrical power. To do this, compressed air becomes ignited in the combustion chamber, while hot exhaust becomes forced over turbines that spin to drive a shaft mechanically. Several may be designed using a combination of azimuthing pods and pods which don’t rotate (fixipods) for forward/backward motion. As mentioned, they allow for improved maneuverability, allow the ship to maximize speed, reduce bad emissions, and optimize the overall performance of the cruise ship.
If the electrical cables aren't truly redundant, even ships that feature two engine rooms suffer power failure. Main engines and generators require electricity and it's needed to keep them going. Pumps that are driven electrically take in cold ocean water to cool the engines and electrical pumps get fuel from fuel tanks and supply it to the engine. Electrical power is vital for many operational functions - without it, ships come to a halt.