VEEM and Sharrow develop improved vessel propeller

Perth marine engineering firm VEEM and propeller developer Sharrow Marine are to advance to manufacture of a new type of propeller designed for inboard motor propulsion.

The two companies have replicated for inboard motors the advances made by the original Sharrow propeller which eliminated cavitation in traditional propellers.

Now the US and Australian company have tested prototype SHARROW by VEEM propeller designs for inboard motors on VEEM’s 64’ Viking test vessel.

Sharrow Marine, a subsidiary of Sharrow Engineering LLC, and VEEM, which manufactures propellers and gyrostabilisers for marine use, will advance their partnership agreement.

The companies said in a statement that there was sufficient evidence that the key benefits of the Sharrow Propeller over conventional propellers can be replicated for inboard vessel applications.

They will focus initially on fulfilling pre-orders for the new propeller type, which is said to provide benefits for naval vessels.

The technology provides improved fuel efficiency, a significant reduction in vibration and noise, improved handling, and excellent reverse thrust.

VEEM Managing Director Mark Miocevich said: “We are very pleased to have been able to sign off on the testing phase and now be moving forward with manufacturing and selling the new SHARROW by VEEM range of propellers.

“The rollout of these will initially be carefully managed to ensure we are getting all aspects of the design and manufacture right, which will ensure the ongoing optimisation of the design database.

“We expect the design and development process to continue to evolve, continually generating better propellers in shorter time frames which will lead to increased revenue and margins as the product is rolled out.”

Initial orders will be optimised for each vessel with data used to expand the range of applications for inboard vessels.

Founder and CEO of Sharrow Engineering and Sharrow Marine Greg Sharrow said: “Reaching this milestone with VEEM marks a pivotal moment in our partnership and underscores the effectiveness of Sharrow’s revolutionary propeller designs.

“Our collaboration over the last six months has demonstrated the adaptability of our technology and its potential to redefine standards in this new market sector.

“Together, we’re leveraging our collective expertise to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency to customers worldwide.”

The companies said the rollout enables expanded defence opportunities in Australia and the US, particularly in reduced noise and vibration, and operational performance of military vessels.

Picture: SHARROW by VEEM