Brunvoll is preparing for major propulsion upgrades for two of Utkilen’s ice classed vessels, following work by Brunvoll’s hydrodynamicists which has resulted in a streamlined retrofit design.
Utkilen’s investment is expected to enable a significant saving in fuel and emissions through the vessel’s remaining lifetime. The two vessels, Golfstraum and Rystraum, will receive substantial upgrades by Brunvoll, including a new gear transition, overhaul, and a redesign of propeller blades. Final selection of optimised propeller revolution speed and blade design has been subject to an extensive analysis by Brunvoll, in cooperation with Becker Marine Systems, which supplies the Becker Mewis Duct energy saving device for both vessels. The project is one of several Utkilen investments in operational improvements, which have ranged across the entire fleet.
Carl Ove Utkilen, Project Manager Utkilen said: “At Utkilen, we are committed to decarbonising our fleet. A crucial aspect of our decarbonisation strategy is to maximise the energy efficiency of our vessels, thereby reducing our future dependence on alternative fuels, which require substantial green energy to produce. Our current focus is on identifying and implementing energy-saving devices and technologies across our fleet, while closely monitoring developments in the alternative fuel and propulsion sectors.”
Utkilen continued: “For our vessels Golfstraum and Rystraum, we have collaborated with Brunvoll to redesign our propellers and gears. Additionally, we will be installing Becker Mewis Ducts on these vessels, designed and supplied by Becker Marine Services. This simultaneous design process for the propeller and duct, achieved through the cooperation of all parties, has demonstrated higher overall savings in our simulations compared to designing them separately. We are enthusiastic about this project and anticipate significant fuel consumption savings following the installation.”
As part of the retrofit, the vessels will have a reduction in ice class and a new optimised vessel speed. Combined, the changed operating service speed, the reduction gear upgrade, the redesigned propeller blades and the Becker Mewis Duct together offer a larger emission saving potential than separate savings from each upgrade. In other words, two plus two equals more than four in this case, thanks to continuous optimised water flow over the Becker Mewis Duct and the redesigned propeller blades. Brunvoll and Becker have cooperated closely and performed several rounds of iteration to reach the final design.
The upgrades are set to take place during the autumn of 2024 and spring of 2025. Brunvoll will take lead on the upgrade process for both vessels.
Mads Egseth Melbø, Brunvoll Sales Manager Retrofit said: “We will open the vessel up from the side to do a larger gear overhaul and change of gear ratio. Thereafter, the propeller improvements will take place. We look forward to seeing the upgraded vessels in action and are excited to follow up with Utkilen on operational results.”
Image: ‘Golfstraum’, ready for the major retrofit. (credit: Henk Jungerius)
