Underwater Propeller Polishing in Africa — Rupert A/A+
Certified in-water polishing during cargo operations — no off-hire
Restore Thrust. Cut Fuel Burn by 3–8%.
Underwater propeller polishing restores the blade surface finish that cavitation, corrosion and marine growth degrade over time. A propeller polished to Rupert scale A/A+ recovers lost thrust efficiency and cuts fuel consumption by 3–8%, typically paying for itself within 2–4 weeks of fuel savings alone.
Our certified commercial divers polish fixed-pitch and controllable-pitch propellers and bow thrusters in the water — at berth, at anchorage or alongside during cargo operations — at 40+ African ports, so your vessel keeps trading and never goes off hire. Every job closes with Rupert grading before and after and a blade-by-blade photo report for your superintendent and class.
Graded A/A+, Measured Before and After
Certified in-water polishing during cargo operations — no off-hire
A/A+
Rupert Grade, Before & After
3–8%
Fuel Burn Reduction
40+
African Ports Covered
24/7
Service Availability
Certified in-water polishing during cargo operations — no off-hire
What's Included
- In-water polishing to Rupert scale A/A+ with before/after grading
- Buffing and fairing of blade leading and trailing edges
- Removal of cavitation pitting, corrosion and calcareous fouling
- Fixed-pitch and controllable-pitch propellers, bow thrusters
- Blade-by-blade photo and video report within 24 h
- Reports accepted by BV, ABS, DNV and LR
Where and When We Work
- At berth, at anchorage or during cargo operations — no off-hire
- 40+ African ports, mobilised from Douala in 24–72 h
- 24/7 scheduling around your cargo programme
- Recommended interval: every 6–9 months in West African waters
- Combine with hull cleaning, sea-chest cleaning and anode work
- Emergency call-out after cavitation or grounding events
Graded A/A+, Measured Before and After
The Rupert scale grades propeller surface roughness from F (straight from the mould) to A+ (mirror finish). Rough, fouled blades lose thrust and burn more fuel; polishing back to A/A+ restores the designed hydrodynamics of the blade.
We grade every propeller before work starts and again on completion, with photos of each blade, so your superintendent and class can see exactly what was achieved. For the full data on fuel savings by vessel type and polishing intervals, see our technical guide.
Propeller Polishing — Common Questions
Book Propeller Polishing at Your Next Port
Send your vessel name, port and ETA — we confirm scope and price, usually within hours, scheduled around cargo operations.