Hydrex has a new approach to propeller cleaning. The traditional approach in the industry is to polish a propeller with a grinding disk. This can be quite damaging to the propeller as a substantial amount of metal is removed from the propeller itself. It can also be a source of marine pollution which is a problem in a number of ports. Hydrex discovered that more frequent, lighter cleaning of the propeller using a different tool to a grinding disk, and catching the propeller before a calcareous layer builds up is actually the optimum approach to propeller cleaning.
If done right and done regularly it can result in 5% or even more fuel savings. Obviously for a ship that has even a medium level of fuel consumption, this savings far outweighs the cost of the propeller cleaning itself. Because the propeller is being cleaned regularly, the cleaning is relatively light and quick. No material is ground away, which is good for the propeller and the environment. The propeller is kept in an ultra-smooth condition (Rubert A or A+) and that’s where the real fuel savings can be achieved. This finish can only be accomplished with in-water propeller cleaning.