Beyond limitations in vibration, electric signature, and weight, conventional metal propellers also suffer from high production costs and complex maintenance, resulting in extended delays for replacement parts, ships being out of commission, and high operational expenses for shipyards. CoPropel introduces a holistic approach by developing composite marine propellers, offering superior corrosion resistance, significant weight reduction, tailored material properties, and reduced noise.
CoPropel has set forth an ambitious set of objectives, which encompass (i) designing a large-scale composite marine propeller utilizing the inherent anisotropy of composite materials, (ii) optimising the process for the manufacture of the composite propeller, (iii) developing an embedded structural health monitoring system, and (iv) validating the composite propeller's performance. The project also aims to assist in formulating new guidelines for composite marine propellers, communicate and disseminate the outcomes, and define a comprehensive roll-out strategy and business plan.
Ultimately, CoPropel is set to significantly boost European competitiveness in shipbuilding. The project will overcome current limitations in the maritime industry by introducing advanced composite materials and smart elements for real-time monitoring. This innovation fosters a new EU market for marine propulsion, leveraging existing European expertise in composites from sectors like aeronautics, automotive, and wind energy. Furthermore, CoPropel will advance beyond traditional design and production, crucially enhancing vessel safety through novel inspection, maintenance, and long-term damage monitoring. This holistic approach will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the maritime industry, directly aligning with key EU policies on Gas Emissions (Directive 2012/33/EU) and Underwater Noise (Directive 2008/56/EU).
