Sister Ships Save Fuel With MAN Alpha FP Kappel Propellers

MAN Alpha FP Kappel Fixed pitch propeller delivered significant results during sea trials that took place recently on The “Elsabeth C” and her sister ship ‘Mirela’.  Of note is that the propeller layout for these vessels is 3-4% higher than normally applied to these vessel types.

In one of their initial commercial applications, the propellers were installed in the ‘Elsabeth C’, a 58,500-dwt Supramax bulk carrier owned by Frontmarine Co. Ltd.  The sea trials took place off the coast of China.

Highlights:

• This is the first of the 8 sister-ships, which will all be fitted with MAN B&W 5S60ME-C8.2 engines with an SMCR 8050 kW @ 89 rpm.
• The problem of small light running margin are addressed by introducing new light running margins for all FP propellers and two-stroke engines of 4-10% by MAN Diesel & Turbo.
• The MAN Alpha Kappel propeller optimisation has been carried out based on the stern and wake field for the newly designed 58,500-dwt vessel, with a 58,500-dwt stock propeller.
• The Elsabeth C also performed a successful crash-stop test that was notable for its lack of noise and vibration.

The Frontmarine Co. Ltd  is affiliated to the Cypriot ship management group “ Lemissoler Navigation Co. Ltd.”.  The company reported that, compared to conventional propellers, the Kappel propeller has proved to provide significant fuel savings.  During the sea trials, both vessels reportedly consumed an average 23 mtns per day at a speed of about 14.2 knots in ballast conditions.

The two vessels “Elsabeth C” and “Mirela”  were constructed by New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, Jiangsu, China.  They are due for delivery in September 2015.  The other 6 vessels are scheduled for delivery within a year.

Man Diesel acquired Kappel Propeller Designs in 2012.

Source: MAN SE: MAN Group

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