Reductions in Fuel Consumption as a Result of In-Water Propeller Polishing

The effectiveness of propeller polishing on the reduction in fuel consumption is reviewed from a theoretical viewpoint, and compared With a number of actual trials carried 0ut on several types and classes of ships. The data demonstrates true benefit does result from periodic polishings and the level of savings on fuel alone are more than sufficient to justify the costs. An assessment of the roughness condition of a reasonably large propeller population, and the penalties associated with that roughness, are discussed and the occurrence of fouling and mechanica1 damage are also touched upon.