MAN propeller excels in bulker trials

<a href="http://www

.

motorship

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com/news101/industry-news/bulk-carrier-newbuilds-opt-for-kappel-propellers”>As reported

, the eight supramax bulk carriers, each of 58,000dwt, are to be fitted with single MAN B&W 5S60ME-C8

.

2 engines (with a specified maximum continuous rating of 8,050kW at 89rpm)

.

The

y also feature MAN’s latest design of Alpha Kappel fixed-pitch propeller, with four blades

and

a diameter of 6

.

8m

.

The

first

and

second in the series of ABS classed, 186

.

5m loa ships –

Elsabeth C

and

Mirela

respectively – have completed sea trials off the coast of China, with Lemissoler subsidiary Frontmarine Co reporting considerable fuel savings compares to conventional propellers

.

Frontmarine reports that both vessels consumed an average of 23 tonnes of fuel per day at a speed of about 14

.

2 knots in ballast conditions during the trials

.

The

Elsabeth C also performed a successful crash-stop test that was notable for its lack of noise

and

vibration

.

The

vessels also applied MAN’s recently issued new guidance on light running margins, the ratio between shaft speed

and

shaft power (as a percentage of SMCR) under ideal sailing

and

vessel conditions

.

MAN increased its LRM recommendations in May, to give greater available engine power for acceleration

and

heavy weather in light of lower installed power – a trend the company highlighted as a response to slow steaming

and

power restrictions under the International Maritime Organisation’s Energy Efficient Design Index (EEDI)

.

.

Thomas Le

and

er, head of propulsion at MAN PrimeServ Four-Stroke in Denmark, said: “A key point during the design stage was to address the problem experienced by similar vessels that experience an overly-small light running margin

.

The

refore, MAN Diesel & Turbo recently introduced new light running margins for all FP propellers

and

two-stroke engines of 4-10%

.

Furthermore, the propeller layout for these vessels is 3-4% higher than normally applied to these vessel types

.

MAN Diesel & Turbo has managed to ensure safe

and

reliable operation, while improving the vessel’s efficiency

and

manoeuvrability during its lifetime

.

”

The

Elsabeth C

and

Mirela were constructed by New Times Shipbuilding Co in Jiangsu, China

and

are scheduled for delivery in September 2015

.

The

remaining vessels are scheduled for delivery over the following year

.