Classification of Marine Propeller Blades

The classification of marine propeller blades can be carried out from multiple dimensions. Different types of blades are directly related to the propulsion efficiency, maneuverability, and applicable scenarios of the ship.

According to the working principle, they can be divided into:
Screw Propeller Blades: Generate thrust through rotation, with a relatively simple structure and mature technology. Suitable for most mainstream applications such as various merchant ships, cargo ships, and warships.
Pump-Jet Propulsor Blades: Composed of rotor blades (rotating) + stator blades (stationary guide), enclosed by a duct. High propulsion efficiency, low noise, and good anti-cavitation performance. Suitable for high-performance submarines, torpedoes (such as the American MK487), and some luxury yachts.
Vertical Axis Propeller Blades: Blades are installed vertically, and the angle of attack changes continuously in circular motion, providing thrust in any direction instantaneously, with excellent maneuverability. Suitable for tugboats, ferries, and offshore operation vessels that require high maneuverability.

According to pitch adjustment capability, they can be divided into:
Fixed Pitch (FPP) Blades: Blades are rigidly connected to the hub, and the pitch is fixed. Simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance. Suitable for large cargo ships and tankers with fixed routes and stable speeds.
Controllable Pitch (CPP) Blades: Blades can be rotated around the axis to change the pitch angle, thereby changing the thrust magnitude and direction without changing the main shaft speed and direction. Flexible control and can adapt to complex working conditions. Mostly used for tugboats, dredgers, icebreakers, scientific research vessels, and other ships with variable working conditions.

According to application scenario characteristics:
Ice-Strengthened Blades: Focus on impact resistance and structural strength. Materials (such as stainless steel) and structural design (such as increasing thickness, special contours) need to withstand the impact of ice. Suitable for polar navigation vessels and ice zone operation vessels (comply with IACS Polar Class specification 5).
Low-Noise Blades: Focus on noise reduction design (such as using large skew, special tip shapes, and precision machining) to reduce hydrodynamic noise and vibration. Suitable for military vessels, scientific research vessels, and other ships with high requirements for stealth or marine environmental disturbance.

Special Propulsor Form: Podded Propulsor Blades
The propeller is located inside the pod, and the pod can rotate 360° horizontally, providing excellent maneuverability and propulsion efficiency. Suitable for cruise ships, ferries, LNG carriers, and offshore engineering vessels.