The traditional approach in the industry is to allow the propeller of a superyacht build up a calcareous growth and maybe polish it in dry dock.
This polishing is done with a grinding disk and can be quite damaging to the propeller.
By the very fact of using a grinding disk, a substantial amount of metal is removed from the propeller itself. This can alter the shape and efficiency, cause roughness and increase rather than reduce friction. It can also be a source of marine pollution which is a problem in a number of ports.
About a year ago Hydrex discovered that more frequent, lighter cleaning of the propeller using a different tool to a grinding disk, and catching the propeller before a calcareous layer builds up is actually the optimum approach to propeller cleaning.
If done right and done regularly it can result in 5% or even more fuel savings. Obviously for a superyacht that has even a medium level of fuel consumption, this savings far outweighs the cost of the propeller cleaning itself.
Because the propeller is being cleaned regularly, the cleaning is relatively light and quick. No material is ground away, which is good for the propeller and the environment. The propeller is kept in an ultra-smooth condition where the real fuel savings can be achieved.
This finish can only be accomplished with in-water propeller cleaning.
Fuel prices are climbing. As new low sulphur fuel requirements come into force, the prices are going to go even higher. A 5% savings of the propulsive fuel costs can make a huge difference to the bottom line.
Many of our customers who have availed themselves of this service have noticed a remarkable difference in their fuel efficiency after each cleaning.
The company has prepared a full White Paper “Ship Propeller Maintenance: Polish or Clean?” which goes into the subject in detail. You can download this White Paper by clicking here. It gives the full story.