Propeller News

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…

A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk), in close collaboration with the owners, is retrofitting around 200 vessels in its time-chartered fleet as part of a large-scale program involving 50 different shipowners.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.Maersk has set the target of a 35% absolute reduction in its scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the 2022 baseline year.In total…

Damen Marine Components (DMC) has secured contracts to supply rudders, steering gear and nozzles for 14 multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) under construction at two shipyards in India.The contracts cover eight 6,300 DWT MPVs being built by Udupi Cochin Shipyard for a Scandinavian customer, and six 7,500 DWT MPVs being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for Danish shipowner Navi Merchants.For the Udupi Cochin Shipyard vessels, DMC will deliver piston-type steering gear and Atlantic-type rudders tailored to the specific design.

The Grimaldi Group has welcomed the Grande Svezia into its fleet, the second in a series of 10 next-generation PCTC vessels under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.Measuring 220 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 91,611 tons and a service speed of 18 knots, the Grande Svezia can carry up to 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) across 14 decks.Like her sister ship Grande Shanghai, delivered less than a month ago, the vessel is designed…

Steerprop will deliver its new Contra-Rotating Propeller (CRP) azimuth propulsions to Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven GmbH for a new research vessel being built for the German Aerospace Center (DLR).Measuring 48 x 11 meters, the RV will serve as a floating laboratory for maritime research, primarily to be used for research voyages lasting from one to several days in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, accommodating up to 20 people onboard.The scope of supply from Steerprop includes two 14 CRP LM units, each rated at 750 kW and designed to Ice Class 1A standards.

Interest in hybrid government and patrol boats is growing as boat builders demonstrate their many benefits.Launched last year at Seawork, Sweden-based Marell Boats says its M17 Patrol was the star of the show with its hybrid powertrain from Scania and propulsion system by Marine Jet Power.Like others in the patrol boat market, Project Manager Mario Celegin is seeing increasing interest in hybrid patrol boats. There’s a lot of reasons why: near-silent patrolling in electric mode…

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Astilleros Zamakona S.A. for the delivery of a complete propulsion, maneuvering, and positioning system for a live fish carrier. The shipowner is Trident Aqua Services, which already has two vessels with similar specifications under construction.The propulsion system comprises a controllable pitch shaftline propeller and a twin-in–single-out reduction gearbox, powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 3,000 kW. The propeller measures 3.4 meters in diameter.

The Digitally Enabled Efficient Propeller (D.E.E.P) project, led by industry consortium and funded by Innovate UK, has been launched to investigate the development of a new generation of marine propellers produced using advanced additive manufacturing (AM) processes, integrated with digital twin technology.The innovation is set to transform propellers from passive hardware into smart, cyber-physical systems capable of monitoring their performance throughout their operational life.The D.E.E.P concept has secured funding from Innovate UK…

Chartwell Marine, a pioneer of vessel design, has announced an order for a new Fair Isle ferry to supply to Shetland Islands Council. The vessel is due to commence build at Parkol Marine Engineering, a leading bespoke shipbuilder, and is due to launch towards the end of 2026.The new ferry will replace the 1986-built ‘Good Shepherd’ and provide a vital transport link between Fair Isle and the Shetland mainland. The vessel is designed for various operational roles and features an optimized hull and propulsion system that will enable it to safely…