New ship propulsion system inspired from whale tail

Swiss engineering firm ABB has unveiled a whale tail-inspired electric propulsion concept for marine vessels that can help in improving fuel efficiency.

PHOTO: ABB’s whale tail-inspired electric propulsion concept. ABB

Dubbed ABB Dynafin, the new propulsion system features a main electric motor that powers a large rotating wheel. The wheel has vertical blades - controlled by individual motors and control systems - extending out. The combined motion of the wheel and blades generates propulsion and steering forces simultaneously, creating movements similar to a whale’s tail.

Initially, the propulsion system will be made available in a power range of 1-4 megawatts (MW), which is particularly useful for medium-sized and smaller vessels, including passenger ferries, vehicle carriers, yachts and offshore support vessels operating at wind farms, ABB says.

Citing an independent study by Danish naval architects OSK-ShipTech, ABB claims that the new propulsion system can reduce energy consumption on vessels by up to 22% compared to conventional propulsion systems, which will further lead to a reduction in emissions.

The system is also compatible with battery and fuel cell systems. ABB anticipates the first prototype of the system to be available in 2025.

By Tuhin Roy

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