(PERAMA, Greece) — Erma First, a global sustainable maritime solutions provider, has launched a new energy-saving device (ESD) that promises reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
With shipowners seeking practical and cost-effective tools to facilitate compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Index (CII) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), the new solution from Erma First promises to boost CII and EEXI performance.
The Erma First Flexcap is an ESD that builds on the proven capabilities of propeller boss cap fins to optimize maritime efficiency and sustainability. By enabling fins to catch and absorb the rotating water force, the solution weakens the propeller hub vortex, reduces torque and means more energy can be channeled back into the propulsion drive train as thrust.
The resultant increase in propulsive efficiency can yield fuel savings of 2 to 5 percent, which translates into operational cost savings and a relatively quick return on investment. Crucially, the Erma First Flexcap also achieves a reduction in ship greenhouse gas emissions and improves CII and EEXI performance.
“Meeting the IMO’s long-term emissions-reduction targets will rely on a range of solutions including alternative fuels and optimized vessel design, but as a practical and cost-effective means of achieving regulatory compliance, ESDs also have a major part to play,” said Konstantinos Stampedakis, Erma First co-founder and managing director. “Erma First Flexcap is easy to install, maintain and repair, and facilitates significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. It is a breakthrough in maritime ESDs.”
Thanks to its modular design, Erma First Flexcap is easy to adjust or upgrade in line with changing conditions and evolving requirements, making it a future-proof solution that supports long-term sustainability. Provided the vessel can be sufficiently trimmed, the technology can be installed while the ship is afloat. Alternatively, installation can be carried out while the vessel is at sea using underwater services. Once fitted, the only maintenance the solution needs is polishing during routine cleaning intervals.
Made from nickel-aluminum bronze, the same metallic alloy used for many propellers, Flexcap is highly durable and can even extend the service life of the propeller by reducing cavitation. It can also be deployed to minimize propeller-induced noise and vibrations, which are thought to have a negative impact on marine life.
– Erma First
