PBCF installed on a propeller

Marine Log reports,

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) reports that the propeller boss cap fin (PBCF) sold by its group company MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. has been certified as the “Best-selling Energy-Saving Ship Appendage Brand (Cumulative)” by Guinness World Records and received an official certificate on December 23, 2021.

On sale since 1987, the PBCF was the first device in the world to be commercialized to recover the energy wasted in the vortex that forms behind a rotating propeller and increase the thrust by breaking up this vortex. Analysis has shown that equipping a vessel with PBCF results in energy savings of 3% to 5%.

Such a device would not have much effect on speed, but it might improve range and fuel economy.