Propulsion Systems

Tuna

Nature has for many millennia used and optimised its own efficient propulsion system – the fish tail. The most sophisticated of all is probably the tuna tail. Research at Clavis has turned this principle into a credible alternative to conventional methods.
Natural propulsors like fish, birds and humans are capable of accomplishing a lot of work by using little energy. Their efficiency is higher than man-made propulsors.
After 200 years the efficiency of conventional propellers is pushed to the limits. The time has come to find the future of propulsion in nature’s own solutions.

Researchers at Clavis Technology have been exploring propulsion concepts widely applied in nature by underwater species. They particularly looked at one of the most efficient hydrodynamic systems – the fish tail. The mechanical fish-tail propulsor is based on nature’s own principles, and offers a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional propellers

Man and nature use different techniques in order to move in space and time. Where man mostly uses rotary motion, nature uses oscillating principles.

Our researchers have utilized nature’s own solutions by developing the fish-tail propulsor. This unique technology is now patented and the latest models of the tuna propulsor have been tested on a 26” research vessel. The new propulsion technology demonstrates a number of competitive advantages in comparison with conventional propellers. Increased efficiency of the propulsion systems results in reduced fuel consumption, reduced impact on the environment and increased profitability for customers.