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Rolls-Royce has won a contract to supply its Promas Lite propulsion system to the Norwegian ship owner Hurtigruten to improve propeller efficiency on its cruise ship Richard With.

Promas Lite is an integrated propeller and rudder system that is said to increase efficiency and is designed specifically for retrofitting to existing ships.

Hurtigruten is scheduled to install Promas Lite on its Richard With cruise ship in November this year; an upgrade that is expected to significantly reduce operating costs. Estimated propeller efficiency improvement for the ship is between 11-14 percent at 15 knots.

Andrew Marsh, Rolls-Royce, President - Services said: "As an experienced operator of this system, Hurtigruten recognise the fuel savings and relatively short return on investment achieved by retrofitting Promas Lite. This installation will take place during routine dry docking so there is no impact on the vessel's operational schedule.

"We have equipment installed on board most of Hurtigruten's cruise vessels, and for many years we have worked together to develop and operate efficient propulsion systems suited to their fleet requirements. We look forward to continuing this long relationship."

The Richard With was originally equipped with twin Rolls-Royce controllable pitch propellers (CPP). By installing the Promas Lite solution, Hurtigruten will receive up to 80 percent of its total investment from the Norwegian Government's NOx fund, which encourages ship operators to invest in innovative technology that will reduce NOx emissions.

Typical fuel savings for Promas Lite are said to range from 5 to 15 percent, depending on the type of operation and the performance of the existing propeller.

The propulsion system is suitable for a wide range of ship types and other future orders include fishing vessels and cargo ships.