Propeller News

Sustainability has become a defining priority across industrial and maritime operations. While much of the discussion centers on alternative fuels and emerging technologies, one of the most immediate and cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy consumption and emissions is often overlooked: precision shaft alignment.AME sees firsthand how precision shaft alignment services improve equipment reliability, reduce vibration, and support long-term sustainability across both marine and industrial environments.The Hidden Energy Fee of Shaft MisalignmentMisalignment in rotating equipment…

In December, Hydrex demonstrated their ability to mobilize anywhere in the world, carrying out a complex underwater propeller repair on a container vessel at anchorage off Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.Following reports of a possible grounding incident, an underwater inspection revealed deformation to all six blades of the vessel’s fixed-pitch propeller. With no immediate access to drydock facilities in the region and schedule commitments to maintain, the company was contacted…

Robert Allan Ltd. is has announced the signing of a new contract in November 2025 for the design of a TundRA 3100 icebreaking tug for the Port of Skellefteå, Sweden. This latest addition to the TundRA series is specifically engineered for the demanding conditions of Arctic and sub-Arctic ports, offering exceptional capabilities for icebreaking, ship assist, and escort services.With the TundRA 3100, the Port of Skellefteå will benefit from enhanced ice management capabilities, reduced winter downtime, and improved safety for vessels operating in icy waters.

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engine and propulsion equipment for a new 3,800-deadweight-tonne heavy lift vessel being built for Netherlands-based operator Hartman Seatrade.The vessel will be powered by a Wärtsilä 31 engine, selected to minimize fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The engine’s modular design is intended to reduce maintenance requirements and costs, while allowing operational flexibility for both slow and fast steaming.The ship will be constructed at Rock Shipbuilding, a newly established shipyard set up by the owner.

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply its rim-drive thrusters for a new acoustic research vessel being built for India’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL). The vessel, under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), will play a critical role in oceanographic and acoustic research for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).The Kongsberg Maritime rim-drive thrusters were selected for their ability to meet exceptionally strict underwater radiated noise requirements, a key factor for acoustic research operations.

The Pasha Group, a leader in integrated global logistics and maritime services, announced that Cary Davis has joined the company as Vice President of Government Affairs to lead advocacy and corporate communications. In this role, Davis will oversee federal, state, and local government relations; industry and stakeholder engagement; media relations; and strategic communications in support of Pasha’s long-term growth and service to customers and communities.A business leader and trade attorney, Davis brings deep experience in maritime policy, infrastructure finance, and public affairs.

At Washington State Ferries, 2026 has started with a thud, one ferry each of the first three days of the year were pulled from service for mechanical problems. Here's a rundown.Walla Walla was removed from our Seattle/Bremerton route midday Thursday, Jan. 1. A propeller blade broke off. The cause is still unknown. We expect to learn more when the vessel enters emergency dry dock at Everett Ship Repair later this week. Both propellers will be replaced. The work is expected to take two to three weeks, with a return to service by the end of the month.

The Tallink Silja Line passenger ship Silja Symphony will undergo regular technical maintenance from January 7 to 28, 2026.Silja Symphony will visit the BLRT shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania for a scheduled dry-docking. The ship's integrated automation system and navigation systems will be upgraded, and regular maintenance will be performed on her underwater parts.“At Tallink, we prioritize innovations that reduce fuel consumption and increase the efficiency of our ships because this directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Naming and christening ceremonies for two class-leading tugboats built by Sanmar for Italian operator Rimorchitori Napoletani took place in Naples on November 29.GARGANO and PORTOSALVO are both examples of the latest tugboats in the Turkish tug builder's Boğaçay range of ship-handling tugs based on the RAmparts 2400SX-MKII design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd.Boğaçay tugs are continually evolving by taking advantage of the latest technologies and innovations as they become available.

Kongsberg Maritime has announced the introduction of two new sizes to its Underwater Mountable, Permanent Magnet (UUC PM) azimuth thruster range, expanding its offering for propulsion solutions for demanding offshore and marine operations.The new additions to the UUC PM 405 model include units with 3.8 m and 4.1 m propeller diameters, delivering 86 and 91 metric tons of thrust respectively.Kongsberg Maritime is also preparing to extend the UUC PM range further, with future models offering up to 5.5m diameter and power ratings of 6000 kW.

Boston Harbor's MV Outward Bound has returned to Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation for a mid-life refit. Redelivery is planned for spring 2026. Purpose-designed by JW Gilbert Associates and built by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 1995, the 64-foot, 140-passenger steel vessel carries visitors and supplies seasonally to Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound, which offers experiential outdoor programs for youth and adults on the island in Boston Harbor.Along with installing a new shaft and propeller…

Thordon Bearings, a leader in high-performance polymer bearing systems, has steadily carved out a niche in the global marine industry with its eco-friendly water-lubricated bearings. Unlike traditional oil or grease-based bearings, Thordon’s systems operate entirely on water, eliminating the risk of harmful pollution in marine environments. Over the years, the company has expanded its reach, offering substantial advantages to the commercial shipping, naval, and workboat markets…

Officer Lee Tae Young, a first mate from the Republic of Korea, has been awarded the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, in recognition of his heroic actions that saved 12 fellow crew members from the Geum Seong No. 135 when it sunk in November 2024. He was honored during a special ceremony recognizing seafarers held in London on November 24, 2025, in the margins of the IMO Assembly taking place from November 24 to December 3, 2025. IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez applauded Mr.

Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, has launched Castrol BioTrans GB, a new lubricant for use in thrusters, some controllable pitch propeller (CPP) systems and deck machinery.Castrol BioTrans GB is an Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL) that complies with the current US Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) criteria.Castrol BioTrans GB is an extreme pressure (EP) and demulsifying gear oil range developed with fully saturated synthetic esters and a specially selected additive technology.

The International Propeller Club announced its newly elected officers for 2025–2027. Members elected Costis J. Frangoulis, President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, Greece, as International President at the Club’s 98th Annual International Convention in Lyon, France—a milestone that also marks the first non-American to hold the presidency in the organization’s 98-year history.2025–2027 International OfficersInternational President: Costis J. Frangoulis (Propeller Club of Piraeus…

On October 28, 2025 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, convened the Senate hearing “Sea Change: Reviving Commercial Shipbuilding”. This hearing examined how to modernize and accelerate U.S. commercial shipbuilding while strengthening a larger maritime industrial base.Senator Sullivan opened with a statement that included: “Our nation faces a critical strategic challenge as foreign competitors…

Concordia Damen has received a new contract from Reederei Deymann, one of Germany’s largest inland shipping companies, for the extensive refit of a dry cargo vessel Hirschhorn. The vessel recently arrived at the Concordia Damen yard in Werkendam, where the transformation project has now started. The refit involves the complete renewal of the aft ship. Originally equipped with a single engine, single propeller shaft and an outdated living and wheelhouse arrangement, the vessel will undergo a transformation at Concordia Damen’s yard in Werkendam.

Digital Dry-Docking: Tidewater Sees 60% Time Savings Using UniSea’s Maindeck AppTidewater is redefining how vessel dry-dockings are managed, estimating up to a 60% reduction in project time after deploying UniSea’s Maindeck digital platform during the recent yard stay of the Highland Prestige at Dales Marine Services in Aberdeen.According to Chris Tundogan, Assistant Operations Superintendent at Tidewater, the Maindeck app has “revolutionized” the way dry-docking projects are planned and executed…

The construction of Captain Arctic, a 69-meter near-zero-emission exploration vessel designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters, has reached a major milestone as its hull was completed by Goltens Dubai, marking the start of final outfitting and integration work.The vessel, owned by French company SELAR and built in collaboration with Chantier Naval de l’Océan Indien (CNOI) and Goltens Dubai, represents a major step in the integration of renewable energy systems into modern…

The maritime industry is charting a new course toward decarbonization, yet this time round it is not only traditional shipowners at the helm. Major energy and commodity traders, whose shipping operations often carry large carbon footprints, are now investing in cleaner and more efficient shipping. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) calling for a 40% reduction in shipping’s carbon intensity by 2030 from 2008 levels, these players are now deploying new methods to cut emissions at sea.

Vessev announced the VS–Drive, a podded propulsion system that stands to redefine electric marine performance. As the latest innovation from Vessev, which designs and builds commercial-grade electric hydrofoiling vessels, the VS–Drive is a submersible motor that combines advanced active cooling with custom direct-drive brushless motors in a modular design. The VS–Drive powers the VS–9, Vessev’s nine-meter, battery-electric hydrofoiling catamaran, which delivers smooth, silent and emissions-free journeys.

Sanmar has delivered two new azimuth tractor tugs to global operator Svitzer. Both will operate in Bahrain.Known as DELIÇAY XVI and DELIÇAY XVII while under construction in Türkiye, the tugs have been renamed SVITZER MANAMA and SVITZER AWAL by their new owner.Both tugs are based on the TRAktor-Z 2500SX design from Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Ltd and have an overall length of 25.3m, molded beam of 12m, least molded depth of 4.45m, and extreme draft of approximately 6.55m.Each tug is capable of achieving a minimum of 80 tons of bollard pull and has a free-running speed of 12.5 knots.

In a large-scale program involving 50 different shipowners, A.P. Moller - Maersk is retrofitting around 200 vessels in its time-chartered fleet. The main aim of the program is to reduce the slot cost by improving fuel efficiency and cargo-carrying capacity leading to a decrease in both cost and greenhouse gas emissions.“Our medium- and long-term chartered fleet makes up a significant proportion of our operations as well as of our total fuel consumption. By working closely with our partners…