'Free suspension' from HRP

摘要

Three recently delivered 110m long inland cargo ships feature a new and innovative propulsion solution that developer HRP, of The Netherlands, believes to be unique. HRP, which usually concentrates on thrusters, has nonetheless applied for a patent for what it describes as a 'freely-suspended nozzle solution for propellers, affixed to three 3000dwt vessels, for shipowner De Waardt. The basic idea is that the upper side of the nozzle is not integrated in the hull itself, but is only suspended from it, while the covering tunnel has been raised to create more space.