AN innovative technology claiming to substantially reduce the underwater radiated noise generated by ship propellers has been announced by Scotland’s University of Strathclyde, and maritime manufacturer Oscar Propulsion. The system, dubbed “PressurePores” works by putting a small number of strategically placed holes (pictured) in the propeller blades, reducing vortex cavitation...
AN innovative technology claiming to substantially reduce the underwater radiated noise generated by ship propellers has been announced by Scotland’s University of Strathclyde, and maritime manufacturer Oscar Propulsion.
The system, dubbed “PressurePores” works by putting a small number of strategically placed holes (pictured) in the propeller blades, reducing vortex cavitation by relieving the pressure at the tips.
“Underwater radiated noise is one of the most adverse environmental by-products from commercial shipping, yet unlike other forms of marine pollution, there is currently no international legislation in place to prevent or reduce this source of environmental damage,” said Oscar Propulsion’s Lars Eikeland.
“Increasing noise levels, especially in the low-frequency range, is disorientating marine fauna and disrupting their communication signals, leading to behavioural exchanges or extinction,” he claimed.
The propeller design follows four years of fluid dynamics modelling and cavitation tunnel tests which found the carefully positioned holes can reduce noise by up to 10dB.
A video of the system is at cruiseweekly.com.au/videos.
