RINA Launches Mermaid Propulsion Concept to Cut Fuel Use and Emissions

RINA has unveiled Mermaid, a future-ready ship propulsion concept designed to help shipowners reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions and protect long-term asset value while remaining flexible as decarbonisation pathways evolve. The concept expands the role of a vessel's two-stroke main engine beyond propulsion, combining a shaft generator, propeller shaft clutch and battery storage in a new architecture. RINA's analysis indicates the concept can reduce fuel consumption by more than 1,000 tonnes per year in some applications.

 

Details of the Concept

 

RINA has introduced a new propulsion concept. It is named Mermaid. The concept is designed to be future-ready. It aims to help shipowners reduce fuel consumption. It also targets lower emissions and improved resilience.

The concept balances efficiency with flexibility. It seeks to protect long-term asset value. At the same time, it remains fuel agnostic. This avoids committing owners to one fuel pathway. This flexibility is central to the concept's design.

 

How the System Works

 

The concept reimagines the main engine's role. It expands the two-stroke engine beyond propulsion. This makes it the primary source of onboard power. It reduces reliance on less efficient auxiliary engines. This shift improves overall efficiency.

The concept combines several components. It uses a shaft generator and propeller shaft clutch. Battery energy storage completes the architecture. Together these form a new propulsion approach. This improves efficiency without dictating a fuel choice.

 

Operation in Port

 

The system offers particular benefits in port. When a vessel arrives, the propeller is disconnected. The main engine continues generating power. This avoids relying on auxiliary engines. The main engine supplies power or charges batteries.

The batteries then support port operations. Once charged, they provide onboard power. This allows the main engine to run efficiently. It reduces fuel consumption and emissions. Operating costs also fall as a result.

 

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Matching Power to Conditions

 

The concept optimises propulsion for real conditions. Slow steaming has become more common. Many vessels operate below their design speeds. The concept matches power to actual operating conditions. This addresses a widespread inefficiency.

The hybrid approach offers further advantages. It combines engines with battery storage. This reduces the need for excess engine capacity. It also provides an additional power source. This enhances resilience during critical operations.

 

The Benefits

 

The concept delivers substantial fuel savings. RINA's analysis shows significant reductions. It can cut fuel consumption by over 1,000 tonnes annually. This applies in some applications. Lower fuel use reduces emissions and costs.

The benefits extend beyond fuel savings. Lower emissions reduce future compliance costs. The fuel-agnostic design offers flexibility. Batteries also enhance safety through power resilience. This reduces the risk of power loss during critical operations.

 

Strategic Significance

 

The concept addresses a key industry challenge. Company leadership noted uncertainty over future fuels. Ships ordered today will operate into the 2050s. Decisions must remain sound for decades. The concept prepares vessels for an unpredictable future.

The concept offers value regardless of outcomes. It works whatever the energy transition brings. If the world changes, the ship is ready. If not, the economics still work. It applies across tankers, bulk carriers and container ships, and is now being developed into a detailed design.