Discover the largest ship propellers in the world, true giants of maritime engineering that move vessels with unparalleled efficiency and power.
Ship propellers are essential to maritime transportation, powering the immense vessels that connect economies around the world. They act like giant fans, converting the energy from engines into motion, allowing ships to glide along the waters.
THE LARGEST ship propellers in the WORLD: Some of these propellers are so important that they stand out for their size and power. Check out the largest ones ever built, which represent technological milestones in the naval sector.
1. Emma Maersk: the giant of the seas
The propeller of Emma Maersk, built by Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH, is the largest ever seen in the maritime industry. Measuring 10,3 meters in diameter and weighing an impressive 113 tons, this propeller is installed on one of the largest container ships in the world. Emma Maersk It is 397 meters long and is capable of transporting up to 15.000 TEUs, reaching a maximum speed of 27 knots, thanks to the strength of this colossal propeller.
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2. Hamburg Express: Power and precision
In 2001, Hyundai Heavy Industries manufactured one of the largest propellers for Hapag Lloyd's container ships, including the Hamburg Express. Measuring 9,1 meters in diameter and weighing 101,5 tons, this propeller was designed to work in conjunction with the most powerful diesel engine of the time, with 93.360 hp, providing unbeatable navigation.
3. Oasis of the Seas: navigation with innovation
O Oasis of the Seas, the largest passenger ship of its time, is powered by 6,1-meter diameter propellers manufactured by ABB. Equipped with electric azimuth thrusters, the ship does not need a traditional rudder, as its engines turn to control the direction. This innovation allows greater maneuverability for the gigantic luxury cruise ship.
4. Titanic: legacy of giants
The legendary Titanic It also boasted immense propellers, each 23 feet 6 inches in diameter. Made of solid bronze, they weighed 38 tons and were powered by independent engines, generating a total of 30.000 horsepower. For many, the Titanic's propellers remain one of the greatest technological feats of the era.
5. Queen Elizabeth II: Strength and Longevity
A Queen Elizabeth II It was equipped with two 22-foot diameter propellers, weighing 43 tons each. These propellers were designed to ensure durability and strength, a crucial feature for the long voyages of a luxury passenger ship.
6. Palmeiro: exploring the ice of Antarctica
O palmeiro, an icebreaker used in Antarctica, has two 13-meter propellers designed to cut through thick layers of ice. Each propeller has four blades and is powered by 12.000 horsepower engines, allowing the ship to reach a speed of three knots even in freezing waters.
7. Exaltation: Powerful Cruise
O Exaltation , a Carnival cruise ship, uses propellers measuring 5,6 meters in diameter and weighing 14 tons each. With four blades and a fixed pitch, these propellers provide the necessary force to move the ship efficiently, ensuring smooth sailing for passengers.
8. Bismarck: military power
O Bismarck, a famous German warship, also had impressive propellers. Each one was 4,7 meters in diameter and weighed 3 tons. Made of bronze and manganese, these propellers were designed to move the ship at high speeds, with 270 revolutions per minute.
9. OOCL Hong Kong: The world's largest container ship
O OOCL Hong Kong was the largest container ship in the world until 2017, at 399,8 meters long. Its fixed-pitch propellers are designed to maneuver this giant vessel, which can carry more than 21.000 TEUs and reach a maximum speed of 21 knots.
10. Norwegian Epic: Cutting-edge technology at sea
O Norwegian Epic, launched in 2009, is a 329,4-meter cruise ship with advanced technology. Its 24 MW, 135 rpm fixed-pitch propellers, along with electric motors and additional thrusters, make this ship one of the most sophisticated vessels in the industry, offering comfort and power on every journey.
These propellers are more than just mechanical components; they are the engines of global commerce and adventure at sea.
Each is an example of cutting-edge engineering, designed to withstand the immense forces and challenges faced by the gigantic vessels that dominate the world's shipping lanes.
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