The ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system has demonstrated up to 20% fuel savings for yachts during testing at MARIN executed in collaboration with Oceanco.
In a pioneering step toward more sustainable yacht propulsion, Oceanco has been involved in a multi-year collaboration with ABB on researching the ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system. Recent testing at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) has confirmed the system’s potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%, compared to current best-in-class electric propulsion technology, validating the efficiency gains predicted by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
ABB Dynafin™ is a cycloidal propulsion concept resulting from more than a decade of research and development. With individually controlled vertical blades that follow a ‘trochoidal’ path through the water, the system delivers high efficiency alongside precise maneuverability.
“Combined with batteries, the solution allows a yacht to switch seamlessly from silent, emission-free battery mode in harbor to high-speed cruising with generators running on methanol or HVO while producing electricity,” says Evy De Maeyer, Research and Development Manager at Oceanco. “This hybrid approach offers a versatile and energy-efficient solution that we believe represents the future of maritime industry.”
The ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system underwent rigorous testing over a six-month period at MARIN, using an Oceanco tank test model. The trials marked the culmination of the collaboration between ABB and Oceanco, with Oceanco contributing to the research and testing phases to refine the system for yachting applications.
“ABB Dynafin™ is all about achieving high efficiency combined with superior maneuverability,” says Marcus Högblom, Head of the Passenger Segment at ABB’s Marine and Ports division. “We are excited by this collaboration with Oceanco, which validates the performance of the system, and we look forward to implementing ABB Dynafin™ together.”
While the ABB Dynafin™ system is not exclusive to Oceanco, the partnership underscores Oceanco’s commitment to driving technological progress across the industry. “Oceanco is proud to be at the forefront of this development, working alongside ABB to push the boundaries of what’s possible in yacht propulsion,” says Paris Baloumis, Group Marketing Director at Oceanco.
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Traditionally, propulsion in yachting has focused primarily on comfort and performance. However, evolving regulations, environmental considerations and rising operational costs are driving demand for systems that reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions without compromising on either. ABB’s Dynafin™ propulsion system represents a significant step toward achieving that balance.
