Solutions
Proven in demanding marine environments, Steerprop’s Contra-Rotating Propellers (CRP) technology delivers exceptional energy efficiency, cavitation-free operation, and reliable performance in Arctic and open-water conditions.
Why Steerprop Contra-Rotating Propellers (CRP)?
Steerprop’s Contra-Rotating Propeller (CRP) technology features two propellers rotating in opposite directions on the same axis, recovering rotational energy from the propeller wake and converting it into useful thrust. This unique push-pull configuration combines excellent azimuth manoeuvrability with exceptional energy efficiency, cavitation-free operation, and proven reliability in both open-water and ice-going applications.
Compared to conventional single-propeller solutions, Steerprop CRP technology delivers up to 13.9% higher propulsion efficiency in high ice class vessels and up to 9.1% higher efficiency in large open-water vessels (based on case studies). The result is reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and extended operational range. Backed by decades of successful operation worldwide, the hydrodynamically optimized contra-rotating design maximizes thrust while maintaining dependable mechanical performance in the most demanding marine environments.
Engineered for long service life, Steerprop CRP units can achieve up to 100,000 operating hours between overhauls, helping operators minimize maintenance requirements and lifecycle costs. In ice conditions, the forward pulling propeller effectively mills ice before it reaches the aft propeller, while directed propeller wash improves ice clearing around the vessel. Together, these features enhance vessel capability, operational efficiency, and safety in challenging Arctic environments.
Technical facts
Representative values across the family. Final specification is tailored to each vessel programme.
Steerprop Contra-Rotating Propellers (CRP)
The Steerprop CRP uses two propellers rotating in opposite directions to maximize the use of installed power. The aft propeller recovers rotational energy from the forward propeller’s slipstream and converts it into additional thrust. This reduces energy losses and delivers up to 13.9% higher efficiency in ice-class applications and up to 9.1% higher efficiency in open-water vessels compared with conventional single-propeller units.
The Steerprop CRP configuration shares the propulsive load between two propellers, reducing the load on each individual propeller. This enables cavitation-free operation, delivering quieter performance, lower vibration levels, greater comfort for passengers and crew, and less mechanical stress throughout the vessel.
Steerprop´s azimuth propulsors provide full 360-degree thrust for channel widening, ridge breaking, vessel release operations, and offshore installation support. Solutions such as contra-rotating propellers (CRP) combine powerful icebreaking capability with fuel-efficient operation. Steerprop’s ice-class CRPs are designed for demanding icebreaking operations and year-round missions in harsh environments.
In a conventional single-propeller system, part of the propulsive energy is lost in the form of rotational flow, known as swirl energy. Steerprop CRP recovers this otherwise wasted energy through its contra-rotating propeller configuration, where the aft propeller captures the rotational flow from the forward propeller and converts it into additional thrust. By utilizing the installed power more effectively, the CRP technology delivers improved propulsion performance and achieves 5.6% higher energy recovery compared with a single-propeller unit.
Technical drawings of Steerprop propulsion systems, including weights and dimensions, are available in the Drawing Database to support efficient concept design.
Suitable applications for Contra-Rotating Propellers
Contact Steerprop Sales Team
Contact our sales team and discover how CRP can enhance your vessel’s efficiency and performance.
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