Engineers have developed a new method of propelling a ship or displacement vessel while saving at least 75% of energy consumed by current propeller-based systems, yet maintaining the same performance.

The Gamma Propulsion System (TGPS) is easy to build and simple to retro fit to existing ships.

Test data certified by Lloyd’s Register demonstrates that TGPS delivers significant thrust with previously unthinkable efficiency. The developers claim that TGPS will, for example, replace an existing 4,000 HP engine with a maximum 1,000 HP TGPS and still maintain the same thrust.TGPS can save the shipping industry approximately 75% of current fuel usage and, consequently, 75% of pollutant emissions while maintaining current schedules

TGPS can save the shipping industry approximately 75% of its current fuel usage and, consequently, 75% of pollutant emissions while still maintaining their current schedules.

The TGPS comprises a series of diesel electric units, strategically located completely inboard down both sides of the vessel – typically in the cargo hold on retro fits – with each unit occupying only 8 m3.

“When TGPS is strategically positioned inboard along each side of the hull a ship can manoeuvre itself in all directions – forward, aft, sideways, spin in its own length and crab – using its power range up to full thrust”, said Doug Bruce, CEO of Gamma Light & Heavy Industries Ltd.

“Placement of the units delivers built-in redundancy for the unlikely event of an electric motor failure, where a motor can be easily and inexpensively replaced, even en-route. Routine servicing is also inexpensive and simple to perform, as everything is located inboard”, said Bruce.

TGPS engineers also worked with technical staff at an Australian theme park. Their brief: to develop a more efficient circulating pump for a water ride.

Each of four original pumps in this ride delivers 87 litres/sec for 22kW energy consumption. The TGPS pump over-delivered at 97 litres/sec (a 12% performance increase) but only used 2.04 kW, some 10.8 times greater efficiency.

This same technology can also be utilised in large transfer pumps for the marine and irrigation industries, emergency flood pumping and the mining industry.

TGPS is a completely new approach that redefines old paradigms about converting power to thrust and does not resemble (even remotely) any current commercially available marine propulsion system. As is standard practice for all marine modifications and new technologies, TGPS has been extensively tank tested throughout development, culminating in Lloyd’s Register certifying results in April 2012.

It is estimated that the costs of purchase and fit out of new machinery can be paid back by fuel savings in about 18 months, on any vessel as it is proportional to HP.

The price that the ship owner will pay to acquire this technology would be between US$75,000 to $100,000 per propulsion unit kit delivered to the shipyard. One kit comprises a prefabricated Propulsion Unit, a prefabricated Reversing Unit, DC Motor Power Pac, Hydraulic Power Pac for reversing and controls to the bridge for the complete system.