A 35-year-old energy-saving device developed by Mitsui OSK Lines has been recognised by Guinness World Records, as sales soar on the back of shipping's decarbonisation drive.
The UK-based organisation, which has referenced world records since 1955, has certified MOL's Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF) as the Best Selling Energy-Saving Appendage Brand.
MOL developed the PBCF in 1986, in cooperation with West Japan Fluid Engineering Laboratory and Nakashima Propeller. The product was given a technical upgrade in 2017 and is currently being marketed by MOL subsidiary MOL Tech.
Total sales are now in excess of 3,748 units.
The PBCF turns the vortex that forms behind a rotating propeller into energy to create thrust and results in energy savings of between 3% and 5%.
MOL estimates that over the years, the PBCF has probably helped reduce shipping's carbon emissions by 46m tonnes.
International Maritime Organization regulations entering into force in January 2023, such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), are helping MOL sell even more of the PBCF units.
More than 200 are in the sales pipeline for next year.
"Even now, about 35 years after its launch, [the] PBCF is still selling exceptionally well as an energy-saving device for ships and has established itself as a bestseller," MOL said.
MOL has installed the PBCF extensively in its owned and chartered fleet. It is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
