Monobloc Fixed Pitch Propellers are propellers casted in a single piece with the hub and blades. Wärtsilä FP propellers can be produced to meet all requirements regarding the number and size of the blades. The FP propeller guarantees maximum efficiency and minimum noise and vibration levels thanks to tailor-made designs using the latest available technology. The Cunial® material used provides excellent casting, machining, and fatigue properties. An additional advantage is the ease of reparability. A fixed pitch propeller is the choice when optimum efficiency, reliability and robustness are required. Fixed pitch propellers are usually installed for ocean going vessels, for example:
- Container vessels
- Tankers
- Bulk carriers
- Dry cargo vessels
- Passenger liners
Each ship’s hull has its own characteristics. In order to achieve the highest possible overall efficiency of the vessel, the propeller must be perfectly matched with the engine and hull. Propeller designs are always tailored to the specific application, and for this modern design tools are utilised by a vastly experienced hydrodynamic design team.
Wärtsilä’s hydrodynamic engineers are also specialized in high-end Fixed Pitch Propeller designs for more advanced applications, such as:
- Research vessels
- Navy vessels
These vessels commonly have typical requirements related to under water radiated noise levels.
For additional fuel savings, Wärtsilä Fixed Pitch Propellers can be equipped with Wärtsilä's fuel saving EnergoProFin propeller cap, or with Wärtsilä's optimised manoeuvring and propulsion Energopac solution. In cases where the propeller is heavily loaded, a High Performance Nozzle can be installed. OPTI Design produces even greater fuel savings by being able to thoroughly analyse the performance of both the propeller and the propeller-hull interaction.