
SUPERYACHT #11 Winter 2007
Article selected from our quarterly magazine dedicated to the largest
and most luxurious boats with information, interviews, technical
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Article by Angelo Colombo
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ROLLS ROYCE STABILISATION TECHNOLOGY
Rolls Royce has recently introduced its latest retractable
stabilising fins for ships in motion or at anchor. Rolls Royce
has a vast experience in developing marine technology, products
and systems for both naval and pleasure yachting use. Products
range from propulsive systems, propellers, anti-heeling systems,
special engines, gas turbines, hydro-jets and much more. Rolls
Royce supplies technology for in motion stability as of the
1960's but with this new model, Rolls Royce enters the
stabilisers' market specifically to meet the increasing need of
stabilising vessels when at anchor.
In actual fact, the new
model is an evolved lighter more efficient and simpler version
than "Aquarius," initially marketed as of 1999 and delivered to
23 units which are still operative. Naturally, adjustments had
to be made to render Aquarius a reliable and efficient
stabilising system for ships at anchor. The core of the project
is based on the hydro-electrical system which detects hulls'
roll causing the hydrofoil shaped fins to rotate at high angles
of elevation in order to generate a reactive load efficiently
contrasting the sea's motion. When under way, "Aquarius"
exploits a vessel's given momentum and speed altering the lift
of the stabilising fins. A major change has been carried out to
the fins' shape and size which have been lengthened from 3.5 sq.
m. to 5.7 sq. m. as well as on the tilt mechanism which can now
rotate the fins to as much as 40° against the previous
22.5°. As a result of the above improvements maximum
efficiency is ensured in every situation. Rolls Royce's data
indicates that roll damping is usually 80% at anchor and
between 80% and 90% when cruising, against a previous 30%, with
standard stabilisers. The stabilising fins' performance is
definitely noteworthy since they are also retractable and
relocate into the hull when necessary. The stabilising fins have
originally been designed for large vessels which install two
sets of stabilisers as opposed to one set on smaller ships under
95 metres. The system can easily be upgraded from the earlier
version by substituting the stabilising fins and increasing the
hydraulic control system's capacity. When in 2005 Rolls Royce
was completing work on a standard stabilising system for ships
at anchor, Oceanco shipyard's request to develop a modern model
became a determining factor in the design and development of
today's stabilising fin systems. As a result the two companies
worked closely together and given the immediate success in the
super yacht market, Rolls Royce is already manufacturing a
smaller version called "Aquarius 25" with 3.5 sq.m fins as well
as "Aquarius 100" equipped with 8 sq.m. stabilising fins.
For further information please contact: www.rolls-royce.com
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