VICUSdt designs the low noise propeller for the new oceanographic research vessel for the Institute of Marine Research from Norway. The 74.5 m length ship, designed by Skipsteknisk, is currently being built at the Gondan shipyard in Spain. Our partner Baliño SA from Vigo was awarded the design and manufacturing of the complete shafting system, while VICUSdt took care of the hydrodynamic design of the propeller and associated shafting calculations.Other companies involved in the development of the propulsion systems are INDAR and TSI among others. The propeller features a diameter of 3.6 m with 3000 kW power, class is DNV ICE C.
The design of propellers for oceanographic research vessels is a challenging task since the underwater radiated noise is a critical issue, these type of ships must operate very silently in order to allow optimal performance of the acoustic sensors under the hull, this means that the propeller should operate free of cavitation on a wide range of speeds and also must avoid strong tip vortex.
For this special project VICUSdt applied the most advanced CFD tools including optimization in «behind» condition using RANSE simulations and including CFD cavitation model.
VICUSdt is one of the most experienced designer of silent propellers, with this project we have already participated on seven oceanographic research vessels, including six of them complying with the strict ICES 209 underwater radiated noise standard.
