Have you ever visited the SMM in the past?
We are sure that everyone would have noticed a huge propeller erected outside the main exhibition hall. On September 1, 2016, a 48.7 tonne propeller which measures more than 8 metres in diameter marks the official countdown for SMM 2016.
A point to Ponder – Why a Propeller?
A very important point to note that many would not realize is that each time – it is a different propeller erected at the SMM. This year, the propeller is of 48.7 tonnes and more than 8 metres in diameter.
Another interesting observation is that the propeller which is erected this year has a cap fin added to it, indicating a fuel saving or a trend towards energy efficiency. It is the official symbol of SMM, the leading international maritime trade fair, which opens in Hamburg on Tuesday, 6 September. More than 2,200 exhibitors from roughly 70 countries, and up to 50,000 industry visitors are expected to attend the fair in the city of Hamburg.
The propeller thus represents a significant step towards Green Propulsion, a major topic on the agenda of SMM 2016. To provide more exhibition space for innovative propulsion technologies, the fair organizers have erected the new Hall A5, which adds 3,500 square metres.
SMM 2014:
The specimen on display this year, made by Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH (MMG), is a high-efficiency propeller. When the fair is over, it will be installed on the 275-metre container ship “MSC Lorena”, replacing the vessel’s original propeller. Manfred Urban, CEO of Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH, explains: “The new propeller will be delivered with a finned boss cap which enables further energy savings and helps reduce the ship’s CO2 emissions. Assuming a consumption of 100 tonnes of heavy fuel oil per day, the new propeller will cut the CO2 emissions by one tonne per hour traveled. This is equivalent to the amount emitted by a passenger car traveling 6500 km.”
A number of symbols have become associated with maritime ventures over the years with an anchor probably being the most common but propellers also have their supporters. One such was Roy Davies the now retired head of container operator MSC’s operations in the UK who had a propeller placed outside the company’s office in Ipswich. He would always say to questions about why he had not chosen an anchor, “A propeller keeps a ship moving forward but an anchor is designed to stop it. We don’t want to stop we want to be a forward looking organisation”. An admirable sentiment and one that applies equally to SMM and the companies that will be exhibiting there.
Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.
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