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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. (MOL Tech) have announced that the energy-saving Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF) - developed by MOL, West Japan Fluid Engineering Laboratory Co., Ltd., and Nakashima-Mitsuwa Propeller Co., Ltd., and marketed by MOL Tech - have now been ordered for 3,000 vessels worldwide.

The PBCF is an energy-saving device attached to the propeller of a vessel. It breaks up the hub vortex generated behind the rotating propeller, resulting in a decrease of more than 9,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year because of a 3-5% reduction in fuel consumption, when installed on a large-scale containership, according to MOL.

Research and development on the PBCF started in 1986, and sales began the following year. By 2006, the PBCF had been ordered for 1,000 vessels; the figure reached 2,000 ships in 2011 and has gone on to exceed the 3,000 milestone in just four years.

Explaining the reason behind the recent rise in demand, MOL explains: "Backed by concerns over rising fuel prices and growing awareness of the need to reduce CO2 emissions, it has gained worldwide recognition and the owners and operators who believed in PBCF's high-quality and performance have repeatedly ordered."

MOL describes the main features of the PBCF as follows:

- 3-5% reduction in fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

- A reduction in propeller torque.

- Installation is simple and straightforward, requiring only the removal of the propeller boss caps and replacement with the PBCF. No hull modification is needed.

- The PBCF is an integral part of the propeller, with no other moving parts.

- The PBCF system is custom made, with a design optimized for the shape of the vessel's propeller. Lead time is three to four months from order to delivery.

- It is maintenance free after installation, requiring only inspection and polishing when the vessel is in drydock, and performance does not decline over time.

- Reduced vibration in the stern less underwater noise.

- Reduced rudder erosion.

Describing the device, MOL said: "The PBCF is easy to install, and is mounted only with bolts like a normal boss cap. It is also maintenance free after installation because it has no moving parts. These features have made it a popular energy-saving device and a brisk seller even nearly 30 years after its introduction."

The Japanese firm added: "To realize the goal of 'solid growth through innovative changes' stated in the midterm management plan STEER FOR 2020, the MOL Group has worked to develop next-generation vessel concepts to reduce environmental impact through the Senpaku ISHIN project. The PBCF is one of the key elemental technologies. The MOL Group's ongoing efforts to develop and refine various environmental technologies contribute to environmental protection by reducing CO2 emissions from vessels."