MARITIME
PROMESEO
Advanced research for the marine
propulsion of the future
PROGRAMME
PR FESR 2021–2027, regional
OUR ROLE
Project coordinator
PARTNER
Sea Green Engineering
01
OBJECTIVE
NablaWave coordinated PROMESEO, a research and development project funded under the regional PR FESR 2021–2027 programme, studying and validating innovative propulsion for the maritime sector.
It was a real test of the team’s ability to put physical modelling, advanced numerical simulation and unconventional engineering in the same room and have them agree.
02
OUR CONTRIBUTION
The fluid dynamics were ours to lead. 2D and 3D CFD across vessel types from pleasure craft to Ro-Ro ships, with two-phase air–water models and real operating conditions; CAD geometry generated and modified to carry the new propulsion configurations; multi-scenario analysis over load, speed and thrust; and a comparison, like for like, between conventional and distributed propulsion.
That built a data and modelling base solid enough to judge performance on, which is what made the next part possible.
We also took it toward something buildable: CAD design of distributed propulsion systems, integration analysis on real vessels, the search for electric components and motors actually available on the market, and support in validating the energy optimisation software developed by our partner Sea Green Engineering.
03
OUTCOMES
What the first results did was send the team looking further. Four configurations were explored: distributed electric marine propulsion, that propulsion integrated onto a hydrofoil, ejector systems with central and with peripheral flow using the Coandă effect, and oscillating foil propulsion.
The last of these showed efficiency gains at low speed and a significant reduction in noise — which opens applications nobody was asking about at the start, underwater among them.
The project redefined what distributed propulsion is worth: greater manoeuvrability and safety, and quieter running.
04
WHAT IT OPENS
Beyond the engineering, it widened the industrial and scientific network we work in and confirmed the role we are useful in: the highly specialised technology partner inside a consortium. That is the part of a funded project that outlasts the funding.