To make yacht propulsion more sustainable, Oceanco has been involved in a multi-year collaboration with ABB on researching the ABB Dynafin propulsion system. Recent testing at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) has confirmed the system’s potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to twenty per cent.
This compared to current best-in-class electric propulsion technology, validating the efficiency gains predicted by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
Also read: VIDEO: MARIN verifies efficiency of ABB Dynafin propulsion
Cycloidal propulsion concept
ABB Dynafin is a cycloidal propulsion concept resulting from more than a decade of research and development. With individually controlled vertical blades that follow a “trochoidal” path through the water, the system delivers high efficiency alongside precise manoeuverbility.
‘Combined with batteries, the solution allows a yacht to switch seamlessly from silent, emission-free battery mode in harbour to high-speed cruising with generators running on methanol or HVO while producing electricity,’ says Evy de Maeyer, Research and Development Manager at Oceanco. ‘This hybrid approach offers a versatile and energy-efficient solution that we believe represents the future of maritime industry.’
Also read: Oceanco delivers second 111-metre yacht in a month
Testing at MARIN
The ABB Dynafin propulsion system underwent rigorous testing over a six-month period at MARIN, using an Oceanco tank test model. The trials marked the culmination of the collaboration between ABB and Oceanco, with Oceanco contributing to the research and testing phases to refine the system for yachting applications.
‘ABB Dynafin is all about achieving high efficiency combined with superior maoneuvrability,’ says Marcus Högblom, Head of the Passenger Segment at ABB’s Marine and Ports division. ‘We are excited by this collaboration with Oceanco, which validates the performance of the system, and we look forward to implementing ABB Dynafin together.’
While the ABB Dynafin system is not exclusive to Oceanco, the partnership underscores Oceanco’s commitment to driving technological progress across the industry.
Picture: Dynafin is a cycloidal propulsion concept resulting from more than a decade of research and development (picture by ABB).
