VTT to research better hull designs

Currently the propulsive efficiency of ships, meaning how much of the power delivered to the propeller can be used for propelling the ship, is about 70%. This can be significantly improved by developing new propulsor and hull form innovations, says VTT.

The project develops future solutions for zero-emission shipping. The main topics of the research project include hydrodynamic research to demonstrate the feasibility of novel solutions by numerical modelling and experiments, and material research to develop methods for strength assessment of propeller blades.

The material research aims to support the techno-economic optimisation of future propeller materials. The key criteria for such optimisation include: life cycle cost assessments; manufacturability, and material properties, especially fatigue strength; and corrosion resistance in operational conditions. The project also intends to develop novel methodology for the defect-tolerant design of the propeller materials.

VTT is also developing new methods to model underwater noise and propeller cavitation phenomena.

The industrial partners in the project are ABB, Foreship, ATA Gears and Composite Solutions and Innovations. VTT will act as a research partner, bringing expertise in hydrodynamics and materials science.

“The main goal of the research project is to significantly increase the propulsive efficiency of ships by developing new propulsion concepts. Increase in propulsive efficiency leads directly to lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. Concurrently we are looking for solutions to lower the underwater radiated noise of ships,” says research scientist Ilkka Perälä who is leading the project at VTT.

The total budget of the co-innovation project is €4.5 million including the industry partner budgets.