Adrian Miles, Managing Director of Stone Marine Propulsion presented the Gate Rudders project to a conference audience for the first time in the Motorship Award session on day two of this year’s conference.
Gate Rudders are the result of a research and development project that has spanned several years to develop a rudder system for vessels which would have a significant positive effect on a vessels fuel consumption and, as a result, its emissions. While this was the primary aim of the inventor and development team it soon became apparent that Gate Rudders would add a list of other benefits to the fitted vessel in terms of its manoeuvrability and its ability to handle heavy weather.
The resulting design has proved very successful in achieving its main aim as shown, not just by the test results, but also the in service figures that are being produced by the vessel already fitted with Gate Rudders. The tests show that the Gate Rudders provide considerable amounts of extra thrust compared with drag inducing flap rudders.
Over 150 delegates at this year’s conference voted for the shortlisted projects, with Stone Marine’s Gate Rudders coming out on top.
We would like to thank and congratulate all the shortlisted projects and the speakers who put in a tremendous effort preparing for this year’s award; Grimaldi Group, Hurtigruten and WE Tech Solutions.
To read more about this year’s award contenders, please click here.
If you would like to nominate a project for next year’s Award at the conference taking place from 17-19 November 2020, contact the team on conferences@propulsionconference.com or call us on +44 1329 825335.
