Innovative Hull Vane® is “tested and approved”, says Dutch Navy
At the beginning of the year, the patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen was fitted with a Hull Vane® and rigorously tested. She has cruised through the North Sea, the Caribbean and, of course, during the passage in between. The results are conclusive. The Hull Vane® works as expected; it reduces energy consumption and brings many other advantages.
Hull Vane® is an underwater wing that converts energy from the stern wave and flows around the ship into forward thrust. Vessels fitted with a Hull Vane® benefit from increased efficiency and comfort and are noticeably quieter and less visible. Depending on vessel type, the savings varies between 5-25%.
Naval vessels are top candidates for the Hull Vane® due to the shape of their hull, their weight and the speeds at which they typically need to travel. Hull Vane® was developed and patented in the Netherlands and is currently used on more than 60 vessels.
Reported savings of 300,000 tonnes of CO2 per year
“We tested the Hull Vane® on our Holland-class patrol vessels, which are almost halfway through their lifecycle, with the target to reduce CO2 emissions. The goal was achieved,” says Richard van Dijk, Captain Lieutenant Commander at COMMIT. “During sea trials, MARIN measured a 16% fuel reduction at 17.5 knots and 10% across the full usage profile, because of the Hull Vane®.
“The Hull Vane® has proven very effective across a wide speed range,” continues van Dijk. “Based on the user profile of the vessel the resulting savings are 300.000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. It is important to be less dependent on fossil fuels and maintain the same employability of the vessel. Yet the Hull Vane® offers several more advantages. With less resistance, it has a higher top speed with the same fuel consumption, so the range is extended. If you ask if the Hull Vane® contributes positively to naval vessels, we can answer with a loud and clear, ‘Yes!’”