In line with the environmental vision of the Belgian shipowner Fast Lines, Wärtsilä’s EnergoProFin has been installed on the fixed pitch propeller of the coaster vessel Fast Jef. “We want to minimise the environmental impact of our vessels. If you never try something new, you will never improve anything,” says Mr Yvan Vlaminckx, Director at Fast Lines.
The Wärtsilä EnergoProFin is a propeller cap with energy-saving hydrofoil section fins. It is suitable for mounting on fixed pitch propellers (FPP) as well as controllable pitch propellers (CPP) and rotates with the propeller. – We were concerned that the additional propeller would catch nets more easily and that we would have to do more maintenance, but that has not happened, says Mr. Vlaminckx. The 88-metre Fast Jef operates in a highly competitive market segment, where all possible fuel reduction is essential. – For a break-bulk cargo coaster such as Fast Jef, it is increasingly imperative to operate as energy efficiently as possible. Firstly, because our charterers require it, and secondly because it gives savings, says Mr. Vlaminckx.
We calculate with a payback time of one year for the investment.
In 2016 the Fast Jef, with a container capacity of 114 TEU, had the Wärtsilä EnergoProFin mounted on its fixed pitch propeller. The Wärtsilä EnergoProFin minimises the hub vortex leaving the propeller, by converting rotational energy into thrust that results in an efficiency increase and reduced fuel consumption of one to two percent. – We think it is essential to minimise our vessels’ impact on the environment and we calculate a payback time for the investment of one year, explains Mr. Vlaminckx. The Wärtsilä EnergoProFin installation on Fast Jef is the smallest Wärtsilä EnergoProFin installation to date and shows that it is not only suitable for big ships.
The Wärtsilä EnergoProFin not only improves the propulsive efficiency but also reduces propeller-induced noise and vibrations. Wärtsilä’s vast knowledge and experience of the entire ship system warrants innovative propulsion solutions. – We believe in Wärtsilä’s philosophy – producing energy with as little impact on the environment as possible. The Wärtsilä EnergoProFin has a direct effect on the fuel consumption of Fast Jef. It is indeed reduced by 1 to 2 percent. Wärtsilä is offering innovative solutions, which is important because innovations are what we are interested in, concludes Mr. Yvan Vlaminckx.
