Americas News
Rolls-Royce Gets First Order for Fuel-Saving Retrofit
U.S. ship owner Glacier Fish has ordered the first of a new model of Rolls-Royce's Promas Lite propulsion system to improve propeller efficiency on a factory trawler, according to a statement posted on the MarineLink website.
The company is installing the system, which is specifically designed for retrofitting, on its Alaska Ocean trawler.
The retrofit at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle, Washington should be completed in November.
The upgrade promises a 10 to 15 percent improvement in propeller efficiency during transit mode, when the vessel travels at 14 knots, and about 5 percent during towing mode, when it moves at 4 to 5 knots.
"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," said Tor-Gunnar Hovig, Rolls-Royce vice president, Americas – Merchant.
"This installation is taking place now, during routine dry docking in Seattle, so there is no impact on the vessel's operational schedule."
Glacier Fish Technical Manager Vebjorn Antonsen said the company is always looking for ways to improve efficiency.
"This new propulsion upgrade from Rolls-Royce will enable us to significantly reduce our fuel consumption and emissions into the environment," he said.
Other versions of the Promas system have been installed on the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Eidsvaag Pioner and two Neptune Lines car and truck carriers.
