Elevating efficiency: best practice solution for slender vessels
Becker Marine Systems has developed the Becker Twisted Fin® (BTF), an energy-saving device tailored for faster vessels such as container ships and those with slender sterns, catering to the growing demand from shipping companies for energy-efficient solutions for high-speed vessels.
Hydrodynamic performance package
The Becker Twisted Fin® is a part of a complete hydrodynamic performance package that can be combined with a new propeller, or adapted to existing propeller designs. This device has no movable parts and is installed in front of the propeller to generate a pre-swirl, leading to tangible energy savings for slender ships.
These products play a crucial role in meeting environmental and emissions standards, particularly with respect to the Energy Efficiency eXisting ship Index (EEXI), the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). A power saving of up to 4% can improve the EEXI significantly.
Optimised performance and environmental standards
Distinct from the Becker Mewis Duct®, the twisted version features a smaller, flat-profiled duct ring with much lower drag and extended fins from the inside of the duct to reduce swirl formation behind the propeller. The small duct ring also contributes to generating thrust, providing stability to the fins, and reducing vibrations. Each Becker Twisted Fin® is custom designed based on the hull geometry and propeller design, meeting the latest strength, fatigue, and vibration requirements from classification societies. Tests, including Computational Fluid Dynamics, model tests, and full-scale operations, have shown an average power saving of up to 4% for container ships, with even greater savings possible when combined with the Becker Twist Rudder.
Easy installation for newbuildings and retrofits
Newbuildings
Installation of the Becker Twisted Fin® can easily be performed during the docking or block stage with minimal effort on part of the shipyard. The yard is able to implement the installation in the production schedule.
The Becker construction team adapts the interfaces of the Becker Twisted Fin® and the ship according to the ship’s steel structure.
Retrofits
The Becker Twisted Fin® can be retrofitted during regular dry dockings or even intermediate dry dockings, the propeller does not have to be dismantled for this. Becker’s expertise ensures that installation is performed as quickly as possible, taking five days on average. Installation is carried out by the yard under Becker’s supervision to ensure professional installation. The Becker Twisted Fin® design of the interfaces to the ship provides the highest strength and stiffness in accordance with classification societies.
Advantages of the Becker Twisted Fin®
- General energy savings of up to 4%
- Less cavitation and reduced vibration
- Improved propulsion efficiency and course keeping
- Reduction of CO2 emissions
- Suitable for newbuildings and retrofits
- No moving parts, no maintenance required
- Fast installation
Becker Twisted Fin®– especially suited for
- Container vessels
- Gas carriers
- Ferry & Vehicle Carrier
- Navy vessels
From the Becker Mewis Duct® to the Becker Twisted Fin®
Becker Marine Systems, with a steadfast commitment to enhancing rudder efficiency, embarked on a journey in 2008 to create an energy-saving device that would surpass any existing options on the market. This endeavor soon led to the birth of the first Becker Mewis Duct®, installed on an open hatch cargo carrier. Originally aimed at tankers and bulkers, the duct's remarkable success in delivering an power saving of up to 10% quickly caught the attention of owners across various shipping sectors, eager to adopt this innovative solution.
In 2012, a pivotal moment arrived when a German container ship fleet owner approached Becker, seeking an energy-saving device tailored for faster and more slender vessels, including container ships. This request sparked the development the Becker Twisted Fin® (also known as the Becker Mewis Duct® Twisted).
Since then, Becker has been at the forefront of supplying both the Becker Mewis Duct® and the Becker Twisted Fin®, to leading shipowners worldwide, marking a significant stride in the maritime industry's journey towards greater energy efficiency.
Brochure Energy Saving Devices
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