Propeller selection optimization on mini LNG ship based on engine propeller matching approach

Mini LNG Carrier Ship is specially designed for the purpose of distributing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) throughout Indonesia and supporting the national program of generating 35.00 MegaWatt (MW). Indonesia’s vast territory with long distances requires an efficient transportation, including Mini LNG Carrier Ship to reduce costs, especially fuel and emission levels that meet the EEDI criteria set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). One of the efficiency factors of Mini LNG Ship Carrier is obtained by optimizing the design, especially to the propulsion system. The propulsion system consists of the main engine and propeller. This study focuses on the selection of ship propulsion propellers, especially the type and number of propeller blades. The good propeller will have an impact on the level of energy efficiency. The research method used is a computational simulation using the Engine Propeller Matching (EPM) method. The study tested the B-Series propeller with an alternative number of propeller blades are (z) = 3, 4, 5, 6, and. 7. Calculating simulation results show that the analysis of the EPM computational results at 10 knots service speed, shows that the B6.40 propeller has a better efficiency value than the other propeller types (z = 3, 4, 5, and 7). Propeller type B6.40 produces a good level of efficiency according to the planned 2 x 250 KW engine performance diagram.