Rolls-Royce to Supply "Promas Lite" For Norwegian Cruise Ship

Rolls-Royce has won a contract to supply an innovative an integrated propeller and rudder system called “Promas Lite” to the Norwegian cruise ship owner Hurtigruten to improve propeller efficiency on its cruise ship Richard With.

According to Rolls-Royce, this system will increase the Richard With’s propeller efficiency by between 11 and 14 percent at 15 knots and is designed specifically designed to be retrofitted on to existing ships.

“We have equipment installed on board most of Hurtigruten’s cruise vessels,” commented Andrew Marsh, President of Rolls-Royce – Services. “For many years we have worked together to develop and operate efficient propulsion systems suited to their fleet requirements. We look forward to continuing this long relationship.”

The Richard With was originally equipped with twin Rolls-Royce controllable pitch propellers (CPP). By installing the Promas Lite solution, Hurtigruten will receive up to 80 per cent of their total investment from the Norwegian Government’s NOx fund, which encourages ship operators to invest in innovative technology that will reduce NOx emissions.

Rolls-Royce notes that typical fuel savings for the Promas Lite system range from 5 to 15 per cent, depending on the type of operation and the performance of the existing propeller.

The propulsion system is suitable for a wide range of ship types and other future orders include fishing vessels and cargo ships.