DNV has seen a surge in fixed-pitch propeller retrofit initiatives as a result of industry-wide decarbonization efforts.
Profitable retrofitting requires cautious planning and coordination from all stakeholders.
This steerage goals to offer important insights to make sure a easy and compliant retrofit course of.
On account of decarbonization measures being undertaken within the {industry}, DNV says it has not too long ago skilled a rise within the variety of fixed-pitch propeller retrofits.
The tip-to-end retrofit course of has a brief timeframe and calls for early preparation and immediate actions from all stakeholders concerned. DNV’s steerage goals to facilitate a easy, well timed completion of a compliant retrofit.
The function of classification societies in compliance verification follow-up of latest propeller retrofits sometimes features a mixture of the next:
Approval of the propeller, together with propeller becoming and boss cap fins (PBCF)
Certification of the propeller
Approval of the propulsion association with the brand new propeller (e.g. shafting alignment and torsional vibration calculation)
Surveying – inspection and testing on-site
Along with the scope regulated by the relevant DNV classification guidelines, different related statutory necessities and proposals, in addition to any particular flag necessities, should even be thought-about.
Statutory scope sometimes features a mixture of Solas (crash cease take a look at) and Marpol (EEXI Technical File/OMM, minimal propulsion energy the place relevant) necessities, together with the IMO Decision A.601(15) suggestion on the show of manoeuvring info.
An obligation to fulfill compliance is, generally, cut up between the vessel proprietor and propeller producer, with help from designers and different service suppliers. An extra scope for adjustments, if any, extending past the scope lined on this technical information must be addressed individually.
Retrofit approval and propeller certification
All new requests for propeller retrofits are to be established as an alteration undertaking with DNV, consisting of an approval and follow-up on-board survey. House owners must request approval of an alteration within the DNV Veracity portal ‘Fleet Standing’ utilizing the ‘Approval of documentation’ window obtainable beneath the ‘Vessel providers’ tab.
Documentation required (e.g. torsional vibration calculation) along with the propeller approval scope ought to be uploaded by the proprietor within the alteration undertaking properly prematurely of set up of the propeller. Subcontractors could be granted entry to the alteration undertaking to add documentation on the proprietor’s behalf.
The propeller producers and/or designers should request propeller approval and certification within the DNV Certification and verification of merchandise utility and hyperlink the request to the propeller retrofit alteration undertaking established for the vessel. The everyday scope of documentation to be submitted could change for vessel-specific purposes.
House owners must request an occasional survey for the verification and testing of a propeller retrofit by taking the related retroactive requirement (RR) associated to the alteration within the survey request scope. On the time of firm of the alteration undertaking, a respective RR is issued to seamlessly join the approval course of and the on-site survey.
Particulars of the inspection plan and the scope for the surveyor involvement, together with the testing and sea trial plan, have to be mentioned and agreed with the native DNV surveyor.
Propeller retrofits could impression the prevailing engine energy limitation (EPL) or shaft energy limitation (Shapoli), if any, carried out on the vessel. Consequentially, a revision of the EEXI Technical File must be thought-about and submitted as related. In instances the place the improved efficiency of the brand new propeller permits for the removing of the prevailing engine’s overridable energy limitation, the OMM have to be invalidated and a brand new EEXI Technical File have to be submitted for approval.
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Supply: DNV
