In 2010, Becker Marine Systemswas presented the unique opportunity to test the vessel „AS Vincentia“ with and without the Becker Mewis Duct® installed. Both trials took place within five days and under identical conditions.
The „AS Vincentia“ is a newly built 57,000 tdw supramax-bulker of the Dolphin class (more than 100 vessels of this ship type are in operation). After the general sea trial without the Becker Mewis Duct® the ship was docked again. Five days later, after the Becker Mewis Duct® was installed, the sea trial was repeated in the same sea area. The draught and trim of both trials were identical. The performance measurements were recorded by MARIN and the final reporting was done by HSVA, where the model test had already been carried out.
The measurements of the sea trial indicated a power saving of 5% at a speed of 14.4 kn. The result confirmed the positive model test results performed after the CFD design phase. This exellent correlation between the CFD, model test and sea trial are proof of the accuracy and technology.
Due to the number of propulsion tests for other vessels made with and without the Becker Mewis Duct® a reputable statistical statement can be formed. The average of fuel saved is at 6%. This also means 6% less emissions of greenhouse gases.
Combined with a Becker Rudder, the propulsion improvement and fuel saving could be further enhanced, with fuel savings of up to 8%. Compared to other types of fuel saving devices and experiences with similar devices this is a very good and positive result.
Other tests with and without a Becker Mewis Duct® with a 158,000 tdw bulk carrier showed a significant reduction in cavitation occurrance at the blade tips of the propeller and a significant reduction of harmonised vibrations up to 80% (almost eliminating them) during a pressure pulse measurement. Furthermore, an enhancement of the course-stability was proven during manoeuvering tests at SSPA with a 43,000 tdw bulk carrier in 2010.
(Pictures by kind permission of the Ahrenkiel Group.)
|
 |
|
