Oscar Propulsion and University of Strathclyde Develop New Technology to Reduce Underwater Noise Caused by Ship Propellers

The Project of the University of Strathclyde and Oscar Propulsion Aims to Ensure Improvements in Navigation and Reduction in Marine Pollution Caused by Operations. The New Technology Reduces Underwater Noise Emissions by Up to 14% in Ship Propellers.

With an eye on new improvements in navigation logistics and even more environmental commitment, the University of Strathclyde teamed up with Oscar Propulsion for a new project, still under development this Thursday (01/12). The initiative seeks new solutions for reducing underwater noise caused by ship propellers, thus reducing marine pollution caused by vessel operations. The organizations have reached an efficient technology that reduces noise by up to 14%, but they intend to expand those numbers.

Partnership Between the University of Strathclyde and Oscar Propulsion is Essential to Minimize Damage Caused by Ship Propeller Noise 

The maritime navigation sector is increasingly seeking new solutions to meet environmental needs and minimize impacts on marine fauna and flora.

Among these is the initiative by the University of Strathclyde and Oscar Propulsion for new technology that reduces noise caused by ship propellers by up to 14% during navigation.

The system reduces vortex cavitation at the tip of the propeller by applying a small number of strategically placed holes in the blades of the propeller.

Thus, the addition of these holes for pressure relief results in quieter propellers with less impact on marine fauna.

Lars Eikeland, Maritime Director of Oscar Propulsion, emphasized that underwater noise is still one of the main problems caused by maritime navigation.

However, he notes that, unlike other forms of marine pollution, there are no regulations to minimize the impacts caused by ship propellers.

Thus, a project like the one by Oscar Propulsion and the university was necessary for the development of technology capable of reducing this problem.

“The increase in noise levels, especially in the low-frequency range, is disorienting marine life and interrupting their communication signals, leading to behavioral changes or extinction. Now we have an economical and easy-to-apply solution that prevents this from happening,” reinforced the specialist.

New Technology from Oscar Propulsion Allows for a Reduction of Up to 14% in Noise Caused by Ship Propellers During Maritime Navigation Operations

It took four years of comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD), modeling, and cavitation tunnel testing during the development phase of Oscar Propulsion’s solution.

The project, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, has brought significant results and contributions to global maritime navigation.

This is because, according to the company, the new technology allows for a reduction of up to 14% in the noise caused by ship propellers during operations.

The results were subsequently verified in tests on sub-cavitation propellers on the “Princess Royal,” a 19m research catamaran operated by Newcastle University.

Additionally, both organizations conducted CFD Finite Element (FE) propeller stress tests last year, with satisfactory results for the global maritime sector.

Thus, the companies are working towards an even greater environmental commitment in navigation operations.

Meet Oscar Propulsion

Oscar Propulsion is a technology company focused on ship propulsion projects. In collaboration with leading universities and specialized companies in the UK, the company develops innovative new technologies and licenses their use to global manufacturers across various sectors.