Econavis Secures First Refercence For New Fuel-Saving
EcoNavis Launches Innovative Propeller Hub Cap
EcoNavis Solutions has announced a significant milestone with the acquisition of its first commercial contract for the Eco Boss Cap, a cutting-edge energy-saving propeller hub cap. This innovative product, which debuted last year, will be retrofitted onto a general cargo carrier operated by a ship manager in Thailand. Following this initial installation, EcoNavis is exploring additional retrofits for five more vessels, signaling a growing interest in sustainable maritime technology.
First Installation and Expected Benefits
The retrofit of the Eco Boss Cap is scheduled for mid-August at a shipyard near Shanghai, China. The installation will take place on a 177-meter-long vessel equipped with a 5-meter diameter propeller. Engineers from EcoNavis will oversee the installation process and the subsequent sea trials, which are anticipated to occur shortly after the retrofit is completed. This deployment marks the first full-scale application of the Eco Boss Cap, which features a unique conical design with patented internal chambers and holes aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Developed through extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and validated in leading European cavitation tunnel test facilities, the Eco Boss Cap has shown efficiency improvements of up to 5% across various speed ranges. Dr. Batuhan Aktas, the founder and CEO of EcoNavis Solutions, emphasized that this contract is a testament to years of research and testing. He stated, “This is a significant milestone for EcoNavis as a serious technology partner to the global shipping industry.” The interest from ship operators reflects the industry’s demand for effective energy efficiency solutions.
Unlike traditional boss cap designs that utilize fin appendages, the Eco Boss Cap employs an internal chamber and strategically angled holes to manage water flow, thereby minimizing cavitation. This innovative design not only reduces rudder erosion and underwater noise but also avoids the torque penalties associated with fin-type designs. The Eco Boss Cap’s streamlined manufacturing process allows for easier installation, requiring less than six hours during a standard drydock, making it a cost-effective solution for shipowners.
Future Prospects and Market Expansion
EcoNavis Solutions has successfully secured over £550,000 in grants and private funding to advance the Eco Boss Cap to market. Amitavo Wye, the Chief Operating Officer, highlighted that this launch represents the beginning of a new era in ship efficiency. He noted, “Eco Boss Cap is tailor-made for each vessel to deliver greater fuel savings over a wider operating envelope.” This customization is crucial as shipowners seek performance solutions that align with their specific operational conditions.
The company is actively pursuing partnerships across Europe, the United States, and Asia to expand its reach and bring its retrofittable efficiency solutions to a broader market. With early traction in Southeast Asia and growing interest in regions such as Greece, Singapore, and the U.S., EcoNavis is poised to build momentum around a product that addresses critical compliance issues related to carbon intensity indicator (CII), energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI), and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Wye concluded, “This is just the beginning,” indicating a strong commitment to innovation in the shipping industry.
