Contributing to Society with theEnvironmentally Friendly PBCF
Reduces annual CO2 emissions by 9,000 tons per ship
Over 35 years since PBCF was first introduced in the shipping industry, we have seena noticeable reduction in ship fuel consumption with large container ships cutting
their annual CO 2 emissions by 9,000 tons or more when adopting our PBCF
technology. As regulations surrounding CO 2 emissions continue to gain speed, ourimproved PBCF functions as an energy-saving device by ensuring increased
reductions in both CO 2 emissions and fuel consumption rates.

Selected for Equipment Designated by thePort of Vancouver EcoAction Program
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in Canada has selected PBCF as an underwater
noise reduction technology for vessels as part of their EcoAction Program. The program
offers vessel operators discounted rates on harbor dues if voluntary emission reduction
measures or other environmental practices have been implemented. As of January 1,
2017, vessels with PBCF that call the Port of Vancouver are eligible for bronze level
recognition and a 23% discount on harbor dues. PBCF not only saves energy, but it also
contributes to environmental protection in a number of other ways, including protecting
whales and other marine mammals by reducing underwater noise.

Participated in Green Award Marine Environmental
Protection Program Run by Green Award Foundation
MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. has joined a Green Award Program as anincentive provider aimed at promoting high-quality and eco-friendly
shipping since February 2019. Vessels and shipping companies thathave acquired Green Award Foundation certification receives 3%
discount from contract price of PBCF.

Received the 2017 Nikkei Global Environmental Technology
Award and the Award for Logistics Environmental
Impact-Reducing Technology Development in the 21stLogistics Environment AwardPBCF received the “2017 Nikkei Global Environmental technology Award” presented
by Nikkei Inc. and won the “Award for Logistics Environmental Impact-Reducing
Technology Development in the 21st Logistics Environment Award” as selected by
the Japan Association for Logistics and Transport.

PBCF—Simple and Tough—Environmental Technology that Continues to Evolve.

PROPELLER BOSS CAP FINS
The Best-selling and Most Reliable Energy Saving Device for Ships

PBCF was jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), West Japan Fluid
Engineering Laboratory Co., Ltd., and Mikado Propeller Co., Ltd. (presently owned byNakashima Propeller Co., Ltd.), and is currently being marketed by MOL Techno-Trade,Ltd. The advanced PBCF is jointly being developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL),
Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc., and MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd.
The MOL Group will continue to contribute to environmental conservation at ports andat sea around the world. Furthermore, through new technology slogan “One mile ahead”,
it will step up its efforts to ensure safe operations and lower environmental impact.

PBCF & Wind Propulsion Department
Address: 18F KANDA SQUARE, 2-2-1, Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054, JAPAN
Phone: +81-3-6367-5380 Fax: +81-3-6367-5516
E-mail: moltech-pbcf@molgroup.com URL: www.pbcf.jp202309

Propeller Boss Cap Fins

Birth of a New Innovation—Advanced PBCF Following
36 Years of Experience and Trust

The Advanced PBCF with Our Aim for
Extensive Optimization
With extensive optimization and refinement of the fin shape, as well as adjustments to height, the advanced PBCF
enhances propeller thrust and torque. Tests of the device on actual vessels have confirmed energy savings ofaround 5% compared to sister vessels without a PBCF. The advanced type is highly regarded as a breakthroughtechnology. Therefore its new patents have been obtained in a number of countries.

What is PBCF?
Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF) is a device that improves propulsive
efficiency by recovering energy from the hub vortex generated
behind a propeller. As a result, PBCF reduces fuel oil consumption.
PBCF is the first energy-saving device developed with the aim ofrecovering energy by weakening the hub vortex. Its original design,as well as the technological innovation that has gone into itsdevelopment, is highly regarded. Moreover, patents for PBCF havebeen obtained in various countries. Owing to continuous researchand development, an achievement in itself, the advanced PBCF wasreleased in May 2017. In addition, the new patents for the advanced
type have been obtained in various countries.
As a pioneer in energy-saving device for vessels, PBCF has been
installed on more than 4,000 vessels around the world since thetechnology was introduced in 1987. This is quite exceptional andreflects not only how effective PBCF is but also how well regarded
it has become worldwide. Moreover, with the tremendous supportof very reliable customers, PBCF has established a solid position inthe industry.

CFD Analysis

Principles

Through ongoing research and development, the evolution of PBCF
continues. Furthermore, a number of experiments on PBCF have been
undertaken since the technology was first introduced. CFD analysis
has enabled to clarify the streamlines behind the boss cap, pressure
distribution, velocity distribution, and vorticity distribution after due
consideration for the viscous effect around the propeller blades, fins,and boss surface. As shown in the figure, a significant difference of thepressure distribution on the surface and the aft end of the boss cap
can be seen for cases with and without a PBCF. This demonstrates
the supremacy of the advanced type from the viewpoint ofhydrodynamic mechanisms.

PBCF is capable of reducing resistance by eliminating the hub vortex,
increasing thrust with the ground effect, and gives the fins a strong
push in the same direction as the main propeller rotation.
After installing a PBCF, the hub vortex at the boss end will be reduced.
This will result in a 5% increase in propeller propulsion efficiency,
achieved through recovery of the energy loss caused by the hub vortex.

5% Reduction in Fuel Consumption

as well as Green House Gas Emissions• Resolves the propeller torque rich condition, reduces
underwater noise and stern vibration, and prevents
rudder erosion

Simple and Quick Installation, Regardlessof Vessel Type or Size, and Suitable for
Both New and Existing Vessels• Vessel and propeller modifications are not required,and no welding work is necessary• Can be installed on either a Fixed Pitch Propeller (FPP) or
Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP)• Optimized design and custom made for every propeller profile• No specific maintenance is required after installation

PBCF remains effective over the lifetimeof the vessel

The hub vortex is visualized by CFD simulation.
Left: normal cap, Right: with PBCF
Resistanceby negative
pressure

GroundeffectConventional vs Advanced on
Actual Vessels
Evaluation tests, showing energy
savings of around 3%, were conducted on more than 100 vessels
equipped with a conventional
PBCF. A comparative analysis ofsister vessels, equipped witheither a conventional type or anadvanced type, was conducted
to determine the effectiveness ofthe devices. The results showthat the improvements in theadvanced type make it more
effective than the conventional
type, on average by around 2%
additional fuel savings.

Horse power (kW)Average of 2%
improvement
85% MCR

Conventional PBCF
Advanced PBCF

14.0

The extensively optimized design of the advanced PBCF allows for an
additional 2% savings (average) in fuel consumption compared to theconventional type. Economic-related benefits for several types ofships are shown in the table. The payback period is within a year, evenat times of low oil price rates, such as in recent years. In short, greater
fuel savings can be expected by those using the advanced PBCF.

15.0
15.5
16.0
Vessel speed (knots)

Sea Trial Result of 60,000 DWT
Bulk Carrier

Pressure distribution showing low (blue) and high (red) pressures.
Left: normal cap, Right: with PBCF

Design Changes Lead toBig Savings

14.5

Payback period in less than one year
5% fuel savings with advanced PBCF

Vessel typeFuel Oil
Consumption

Container (8,000 TEU)

100

1.7

$1,100,000

VLCC

90

1.4

$1,100,000

CAPE BC60

1.9$650,000

HANDY BC30

2.5$300,000

Payback
Period (month)

Cost Savings(US$/year)

Note: Fuel oil price is VLSFO US$800/MT, and figures for the fuelconsumption rate are used in accordance with the actual state.