Due to decarbonization measures being undertaken in the industry, DNV has recently experienced an increase in the number of fixed-pitch propeller retrofits. The end-to-end retrofit process has a short timeframe and demands early preparation and prompt actions from all stakeholders involved. The guidance provided in this technical news aims to facilitate a smooth, timely completion of a compliant retrofit.
Relevant for design offices, shipyards, suppliers, owners/managers, flag states, insurance and crew.
Introduction
DNV’s role in the compliance verification follow-up of new propeller retrofits typically includes a combination of the following:
Approval of the propeller, including propeller fitting and boss cap fins (PBCF)
Certification of the propeller
Approval of the propulsion arrangement with the new propeller (e.g. shafting alignment and torsional vibration calculation)
Surveying – inspection and testing on-site
In addition to the scope regulated by the applicable DNV classification rules, other relevant statutory requirements and recommendations, as well as any specific flag requirements, are also considered.
Statutory scope typically includes a combination of SOLAS (crash stop test) and MARPOL (EEXI Technical File / OMM, minimum propulsion power where applicable) requirements, along with the IMO Resolution A.601(15) recommendation on the display of manoeuvring information.
An obligation to meet compliance is, in most cases, split between the vessel owner and propeller manufacturer, with assistance from designers and other service providers. An additional scope for changes, if any, extending beyond the scope covered in this technical news needs to be addressed separately.
All new requests for propeller retrofits are to be established as an alteration project with DNV, consisting of an approval and follow-up on-board survey. Owners need to request approval of an alteration in the DNV Veracity portal “Fleet Status” using the “Approval of documentation” window available under the “Vessel services” tab (see Figure 1).
Documentation required (e.g. torsional vibration calculation) in addition to the propeller approval scope should be uploaded by the owner in the alteration project well in advance of installation of the propeller. Subcontractors can be granted access to the alteration project to upload documentation on the owner’s behalf.
Propeller certification
The propeller manufacturers and/or designers are to request propeller approval and certification in the DNV Certification and verification of products application and link the request to the propeller retrofit alteration project established for the vessel.
The typical scope of documentation to be submitted is detailed in Appendix 1 of the pdf. This may change for vessel-specific applications based on the details in the request and documentation submitted.
On-site survey
Owners are to request an occasional survey for the verification and testing of a propeller retrofit by taking the relevant retroactive requirement (RR) related to the alteration in the survey request scope. At the time of establishment of the alteration project, a respective RR is issued to seamlessly connect the approval process and the on-site survey.
Installation inspection
Details of the inspection plan and the scope for the surveyor involvement shall be discussed and agreed with the local DNV surveyor. The typical scope of inspection is summarized in Appendix 2 of the pdf.
Testing and sea trials
The testing and sea trial plan, including the scope for the surveyor involvement, shall be discussed and agreed with the local DNV surveyor. The typical testing scope is listed in Appendix 3 of the pdf.
EEXI Technical File
Propeller retrofits may impact the existing engine power limitation (EPL) or shaft power limitation (SHAPOLI), if any, implemented on the vessel. Consequentially, a revision of the EEXI Technical File needs to be considered and submitted as relevant. In cases where the improved performance of the new propeller allows for the removal of the existing engine’s overridable power limitation, the OMM must be invalidated and a new EEXI Technical File must be submitted for approval.
Recommendations
Owners and manufacturers should follow the guidance detailed in this technical news to benefit from a compliant, timely and cost-effective completion of propeller retrofits.
