Ship&Offshore | Issue 04/2023
Raising propulsion efficiency
Greek ballast water manufacturer and shore power specialist, Erma First, has launched an energy saving device (ESD) that promises significant improvements in propulsive efficiency as well as fuel savings and associated cuts in emissions. The Erma First Flexcap is based on propeller boss cap fin technology, whereby fins catch and absorb the rotating water force, a process that weakens the propeller hub vortex, reduces torque and channels more energy into the propulsive drive train. Erma First claims that the increase in efficiency can result in fuel savings of 2-5% which, even at the fuel prices prevailing today, result in a rapid return on investment....