The Port of Vancouver in Canada has selected propeller boss cap fins (PBCF) technology from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to reduce vessel noise.
Selected as part of the port’s EcoAction environmental programme, the technology will be accompanied with designated equipment.
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EcoAction provides a discounted harbour due rate to vessels, which have already implemented voluntary emission reduction measures and other environmental practices.
Jointly developed by MOL, West Japan Fluid Engineering Laboratory, and Nakashima Propeller, PBCF will enable users to minimise cavitation and underwater noise, which affects marine mammals.
PBCF also helps reduce a vessel's fuel consumption by 3% to 5% by breaking up the hub vortex generated behind the rotating propeller while improving efficiency and lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Furthermore, water tank tests have confirmed the device’s noise reduction ability of three to six decibels in a specific underwater frequency range by breaking up the hub vortex.
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By GlobalDataSince its launch in 1987, PBCF has been installed on more than 3,000 vessels.
Last November, MOL announced the launch of its new technological development programme as part of its environmental conservation initiative in ports and at sea.
Through the Ishin Next – Mol Smart Ship project, MOL will share its technological development policies with customers and other stakeholders, as well as develop two fields of technologies to enable safer vessel operation and reduce environmental impact.
Image: PBCF (circled in yellow) is being installed. Photo: courtesy of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.
