Commercial Vessels

Commercial vessels typically have specific operating requirements, resulting in bespoke onboard equipment and unique layouts.

In order to maximise a vessel’s long-term efficiency, performance and durability, it is essential these critical details are fully understood, and their impact reflected in the vessel’s propulsion system’s design.

At CJR, every commercial project benefits from our individual and intelligence-driven approach to design and manufacture, and several of our methods are unique in the UK. We use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and lifting surface theory to design the propellers and stern gear for your specific needs, using the vessel manufacturer’s design data, or scanning your hull in 3D to understand the inflow to the propellers, before performing hundreds of simulations to establish the perfect design for the entire package. This includes our flow-aligned rudders, which have been developed specifically to reduce rudder resistance and minimise cavitation and vibration through a twisted profile that is aligned with the propeller’s flow angles.

Our manufacturing process is equally advanced, utilising robotic, pattern-less mould making, multiple five-axis CNC machining centres, and a highly-efficient, cell-based approach to production. By combining all these processes and advanced-technologies, CJR is able to create complete systems that outperform the competition on all fronts, whilst remaining highly cost-competitive.

In addition, our rapid manufacture capabilities mean we can develop a bespoke, fully-machined propulsion system in as little as two weeks – ensuring you are on the water sooner, without ever sacrificing quality.

Why off-the-shelve patterns or a ‘closest match’ approach is a fool’s economy

It is can be tempting to opt for cheaper Class 1 propellers, or accept the use of an existing pattern – especially when a supplier assures you it will perform ‘just as well’. However, when a vessel is on the water for 1000 hours a year or more, peak efficiency and equipment longevity are vital to lifetime running and maintenance costs. Our approach has been proven to positively impact these important attributes – supplying a quality product that provides significant cost benefits over the lifetime of the propulsion package, as demonstrated on a recent project with Mainprize Offshore:

“Working with CJR has been a revelation. As they have demonstrated, technology can dramatically improve the achievable standard for performance and vibration levels. We have learnt that fully-machined Class S propellers are the only option for minimising vibration, putting less strain on the stern gear system and extending the lifespan of the vessel, plus improving crew comfort. The vessel is now saving a significant volume of fuel each day – equating to approximately 8–10% of annual usage. For us, this is an incredible saving and demonstrates the value CJR provides its customers.”
Quote from Bob Mainprize of Mainprize Offshore

Our bespoke propellers and complete stern gear systems (including shafts, couplings, stern tubes and rudders) are suitable for GRP, aluminium or steel vessels, and are designed and machined to Class S approval standards.