October 18, 2023

MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd.

Energy-saving “PBCF” Reaches Milestone Orders Received for 4,000 Vessels

MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Kanda-Nishiki-cho, Tokyo, President: Yoshikazu Kawagoe, hereinafter referred to as ” MOL Tech “) announces that the energy-saving Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF) have now been ordered for 4,000 vessels worldwide.

PBCF was co-developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “MOL”), West Japan Fluid Engineering Laboratory Co., Ltd., and Nakashima Propeller Co., Ltd. (called Mikado Propeller Co., Ltd. at the time) in 1986 and went on sale by MOL in 1987. In 2000, the business was transferred to MOL Tech, which has been selling the PBCF. It reduces fuel consumption by approximately 5% by eliminating the hub vortex generated behind the propeller. Additionally, it has been confirmed to reduce underwater noise by 3-6 decibels within specific frequency ranges. Beyond reducing CO2 emissions, this unique feature contributes to protecting marine life and has established itself as a long-selling product.

In 2021, PBCF was certified by the Guinness World Records™ as the “Best-selling Energy-Saving Ship Appendage Brand (Cumulative),” and its sales have continued to grow steadily since then. MOL Tech is pleased to announce that the device has now achieved a sales record of 4,254 units (the number of vessels equipped with PBCF exceeded 4,000). Despite over 36 years since its initial launch, it maintains an unparalleled sales record as an energy-saving device for ships and is expected to see further sales growth.

MOL Tech continues to study hybrid combinations with the other ESD (energy-saving devices), such as stern fin, duct, and rudder bulb, striving to create additional value from the perspectives of maneuverability and energy efficiency. MOL Tech is diligently implementing our new mid-term management plan, “Techno-Trade NEXT 10,” by offering services combining “PBCF” with the other ESDs, MOL Tech aims to become a market leader. This will contribute to the achievement of the group vision set forth in the MOL Group’s management plan, “BLUE ACTION 2035,” and further promote the maritime industry’s development.

MOL Group has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in accordance with the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.” In our efforts to create a sustainable world, we will systematically introduce and evaluate energy-saving equipment, thereby contributing to fuel efficiency improvement and GHG emissions reduction in the shipping industry.

[Related Article]

*1 A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Best-selling Energy-Saving Ship Appendage Brand (Cumulative) was certified for Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF)

(Japanese) https://www.motech.co.jp/information/2223/

(English) https://www.motech.co.jp/en/information-en/2237/

[PBCF Special Site]

(Japanese) https://www.pbcf.jp/jp/

(English) https://www.pbcf.jp/

[Contact Information]

MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. PBCF & Wind Propulsion Dept.

TEL 03-6367-5380