Market Trends of Passenger Vessel Propeller Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Passenger Vessel Propeller Market according to our research experts:
Fixed Pitch Propeller Continues to Witness Growth
Fixed-pitch propeller blades are permanently attached to the hub. The fixed pitch type propellers are generally cast, and hence the position of the pitch is permanently fixed and cannot be changed during the operation. These have been normally made from copper alloy.
Fixed pitch propellers have been identified as robust and reliable as the system does not incorporate any mechanical and hydraulic connection as in controlled pitch propellers. Other benefits, such as manufacturing, installation, and operational costs, are lower than the controlled pitch propeller type. Due to the above benefits, the fixed-pitch propeller is witnessing growth in the propeller market.
However, the flexibility of fixed-pitch propellers has not been as good as controlled-pitch propellers. These types of propellers are fitted in a ship that does not have good flexibility requirements. For instance, in January 2022, Hundested Propeller became the supplier of propulsion equipment and tunnel thrusters to Disko Line's new 38m hybrid passenger ferry in build at Asses Skibsvarft.
Asia-Pacific is Likely to Lead the Market
Asia-Pacific continues to dominate the passenger vessels propeller market, owing to an increase in shipbuilding industries in China and South Korea and growth in several joint ventures with international brands.
In recent years, China's shipbuilding industry has been rapidly strengthening. Compared with the world-class shipbuilding powerhouses, however, China's research and manufacturing capabilities in the field of high-tech and high-value-added ships have been noticed as insufficient, while the industry has excess manufacturing capacity. Thus, the companies in the country have been focusing on merging plans to operate as a big unit in order to capture the potential demand in the marine industry. Asia-Pacific countries have large water countries and more small islands, and to move the passenger from the islands, passenger ships are necessary.
In March 2021, Cochin Shipyard Ltd delivered MV Sindhu,' a 500 pax passenger cum 150 MT Cargo Vessel built indigenously for Andaman and Nicobar.
In July 2022, the public sector Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered a 'Nalanda' vessel with the capacity to carry 500 passengers to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Nalanda has a length of 100 meters, a beam of 17 meters, a draught of 4.3 meters, and a speed of 16 knots, and it can have 500 passengers and 150 tonnes of vehicles and other freight.
Considering the increase in the ship manufacturing industry and the above instances, the Passenger Vessel Propeller Market is expected to grow in the coming year.
