GREEK SECTION
‘‘Improving the Propulsion Efficiency by Means of
Contracted and Loaded Tip (CLT) Propellers’’
Technical Meeting Report by Prof. A. D. Papanikolaou
On September 13, 2012 the Greek Section had its first technical meeting for the 2012-2013 season. In the presence of some 43 SNAME members, students and newcomers, Mr. Guilio Gennaro, Vice President of Studio di Ingegneria Navale e Meccanica, Genova, Italy presented the titled subject.
The author made an overview of Propulsion Improvement Devices (PID) to achieve high propulsive efficiency, which is beneficial both from the environmental and the economic point of view. Whereas many of these devices and concepts refer to modifications of ship’s stern hull and the improvement of the inflow to the propeller, very few concepts are related to the improvement of the propeller itself. Among them are “tip propellers”, most noticeably of Contracted Loaded Tip (CLT) type, an innovative concept introduced and patented by SISTEMAR, dating back to the late 70ties. CLT propellers were installed successfully in relatively high numbers at many ship types (about 300 vessels, from hydrofoils to bulk carriers, from Ro-Pax to VLCC) and have shown superior efficiency and very short pay-back period characteristics (significantly reduced fuel consumption). Despite their advantages against conventional propellers, they are to a great extent still unknown to many ship owners, technical managers and shipyards. The author presented the basic theoretical concept and the practical development of tip plate propellers in the last three decades, including latest experiences and related R&D projects.
A lively discussion followed this valuable presentation and the meeting was concluded with the well established reception
party of our local section, at the hospitable premises of MARAN Tankers.
From left to right : C. Kontovas, Papers Com. Chairman & EC member; Author, G. Gennaro; A. Papanikolaou, Chairman; D. Oikonomou, ex EC member; P. Lalangas, Secretary / Treasurer .
The presentation can be found below:
CLT_SNAME_Presentation.pdf