Factory Trawler to Retrofit Rolls-Royce Promas Lite Propulsion

Rolls-Royce has won its first contract to supply a new version of its innovative Promas Lite propulsion system to American ship owner Glacier Fish to improve propeller efficiency on its Guido Perla Associates designed factory trawler 'Alaska Ocean'.

Promas Lite is an integrated propeller and rudder system that increases efficiency and is designed specifically for retrofitting to existing ships. Glacier Fish is currently installing the newest version of Promas Lite, which incorporates a new nozzle design for even greater efficiency gains, on their Alaska Ocean factory trawler at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle, Washington.

The refit is expected to be completed in November this year. The upgrade will significantly reduce operating costs for Glacier Fish. Estimated propeller efficiency improvement for the ship is between 10-15 per cent during transit mode (14 knots) and around 5 per cent during towing mode (4-5 knots).

Tor-Gunnar Hovig, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Americas - Merchant said: “As an experienced operator of highly complex vessels, Glacier Fish recognizes the fuel savings and short return on investment achieved by retrofitting Alaska Ocean with this new and highly innovative version of Promas Lite. This installation is taking place now, during routine dry docking in Seattle, so there is no impact on the vessel’s operational schedule.”

Vebjorn Antonsen, Technical Manager, Glacier Fish said: “As an experienced ship owner we are continually looking for ways to improve the efficiency and performance of our fleet. This new propulsion upgrade from Rolls-Royce will enable us to significantly reduce our fuel consumption and emissions into the environment.”

Typical fuel savings for Promas Lite range from 5 to 15 per cent, depending on the type of operation and the performance of the existing propeller.

The propulsion system is suitable for a wide range of ship types and other future orders include ferries, cruise ships and cargo vessels.