Wärtsilä EnergoProFin Gets Vancouver OK

Marine technology specialists Wartsila’s  energy-saving propeller cap has been included in the 2019 Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s EcoAction Program which offers harbor dues discounts for vessels calling at the Port of Vancouver that meet environmental best practices.

The listing is in the vessel quieting category, which awards a 23 percent discount in harbor dues for vessels utilizing this technology. The incentive is given because the reduced cavitation offered by vessel quieting technologies reduces underwater noise.

The aim is to encourage shipping companies to lessen their noise levels, since underwater noise affects the at-risk whale population in the Vancouver area of Canada.

EnergoProFin incorporates fins that rotate together with the propeller. This reduces the cavitation caused by the hub vortex of the propeller. It also reduces the energy losses caused by the flow phenomena around and behind the propeller boss, thereby increasing overall propulsion efficiency while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and noise, thus reducing the impact on whales.

The system, which has a payback time of less than one year, is optimized to fit the vessel’s specific operating profile. To date it has been installed on more than 350 vessels.

“The Wärtsilä EnergoProFin is designed to deliver both energy efficiency and environmental sustainability for ship owners. Our listing in the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s EcoAction Program is an honour that supports Wärtsilä’s commitment to cleaner, safer, quieter, and more efficient shipping,” says Anton Voermans, Manager Hydrodynamics, Wärtsilä Marine.

Wärtsilä will issue a certificate to vessels fitted with the system to enable them to take advantage of the harbour dues discount.