Hyundai Heavy's Ship Fins Improve Vessel Performance

Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries has developed another world first in vessel technology -- ship fins. Based on the same principle that allows airplanes to fly, the wing-shaped device is attached to the rudder of a ship to boost thrust and save fuel. HHI first put the fins on a 8,600-TEU container ship delivered to German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd in April. (One TEU is the volume of a standard six-meter-long container). Hyundai says Hapag tried the fins and confirmed their effectiveness, and has asked to have them put on six more ships. Requests from other firms are also coming in.
Hyundai says the fins reduce fuel consumption by 4 to 6 percent, which can result in savings of some $2.4 million a year for large vessels.
The company began developing the technology in 2004 and registered a domestic patent in 2006. It has since applied for patents in 10 other countries including the U.S. and Germany.

Source: English.chosun.com