A whale caudal fin to reduce ship fuel consumption

Commercial vessels, whether they carry goods or passengers, have a significant environmental impact, not least because of their fuel consumption. It is estimated that shipping today accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That's why those involved in maritime transport are taking immediate steps to limit their fuel consumption.

But how? And which solution to turn to?

Bluefins, a Brittany-based start-up specializing in the decarbonization of maritime transport, has worked with Ifremer to develop a completely innovative solution, inspired by whale swimming.
For 18 months, Olivier Giusti, founder of Bluefins, designed and tested a submerged robotized fin, an articulated hydrofoil, placed at the stern of ships to generate useful energy and enable them to move forward.

Olivier Giusti, naval architect at the head of Bluefins:

The idea is really to reduce the consumption of large ships by adding a device that recovers wave energy and transforms it into auxiliary propulsion for the boat

The collaboration with Ifremer has enabled the company to test its technology in tanks, but not only there. Encouraged by the Octo'Pousse competition, Bluefins was able to benefit from real support throughout its project.

Romain Charraudeau, head of Ifremer's Innovation Partnership and Transfer Department:
We also helped Olivier target a strong market for which he could convince financiers to support the development of his project

What happens next?

The results of this project have shown, through simulations and tank tests, an average saving of 20% in fuel consumption over the life of the vessel. These promising figures enabled the Brittany-based startup to raise 4 million euros in funding. This will enable the company to plan its first sea trials from February 2025.

Philippe Ruffin, CEO of Bluefins:
This first milestone will enable us to structure the company and accelerate our developments, so as to provide shipowners with concrete solutions to the challenges of global warming and the environmental impact of maritime transport