Propeller Super Polishing
Mirror finish, measurably lower fuel burn
- Progressive multi-stage polish to Class A mirror finish
- Pressure and suction faces, leading and trailing edges
- Removes calcareous deposits, growth and surface roughness
Get a quote
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. Scoped reply, usually the same working day.
The propeller is the single highest-leverage surface on the vessel. It operates at high relative velocity, so roughness there costs disproportionately more than the same roughness on the hull — which is why propeller polishing consistently returns among the best fuel-saving-per-dirham figures in ship operation.
We polish in progressive stages, working from coarse abrasives that remove calcareous deposits and marine growth through to fine grades that bring the blade to a Class A mirror finish, on both pressure and suction faces from boss to tip.
What you get
- Progressive multi-stage polish to Class A mirror finish
- Pressure and suction faces, leading and trailing edges
- Removes calcareous deposits, growth and surface roughness
- Reduces cavitation, blade erosion and radiated noise
- Rope guard and stern seal inspected in the same dive
Where we deliver this
- Togo
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- The Gambia
- Senegal
Scope of work
What is included as standard. Anything outside this is quoted separately and flagged before mobilisation, never added afterwards.
- 01
Deposit removal
Calcareous growth, shell and hard deposits removed from both blade faces without gouging or scoring the blade surface.
- 02
Progressive polishing
Successive abrasive grades work the blade from rough to fine, finishing at a Class A mirror surface across the full blade area.
- 03
Edge finishing
Leading and trailing edges dressed to restore profile and remove the roughness that seeds cavitation.
- 04
Boss and hub
Boss, hub and rope guard cleaned, with stern tube seal condition inspected and reported.
How we deliver it
- 01
Immobilisation
Main engine immobilised and shaft secured against rotation, confirmed in writing with the chief engineer.
- 02
Condition survey
Blade condition, roughness and any existing damage recorded on video before work starts.
- 03
Staged polishing
Blades polished in sequence through the abrasive stages under surface supervision.
- 04
Final inspection
Finished blades filmed and reported, with any damage or erosion flagged for your technical department.
Frequently asked
What is propeller super polishing?
Propeller super polishing is a precision underwater treatment that removes fouling, corrosion, and surface roughness from propeller blades, achieving a mirror-smooth finish that reduces drag and improves propulsion efficiency.
How is propeller super polishing different from regular cleaning?
While standard cleaning removes marine growth, propeller super polishing goes further - reducing blade surface roughness (Ra value) to near-factory smoothness, delivering measurably better fuel savings and performance.
How does propeller polishing save fuel?
A polished propeller moves through water with less resistance, requiring less engine power to maintain speed. Regular propeller super polishing can meaningfully cut fuel consumption and reduce a vessel's carbon emissions.
Is propeller polishing done underwater?
Yes. CleanShip Marine's certified divers perform underwater propeller polishing using specialized abrasive systems calibrated for marine-grade propeller alloys, with no need for dry-docking.
How often should propellers be polished?
Most vessels benefit from propeller super polishing every 6-12 months, though high-fouling routes or older coatings may require more frequent servicing to maintain peak propulsion efficiency.
Does propeller polishing include an inspection report?
Yes. Our propeller polishing service includes before-and-after inspection documentation, giving fleet managers a clear performance and condition record for maintenance planning and class compliance.
What is Ra value and why does it matter for propellers?
Ra value measures blade surface roughness at a microscopic level. Lower Ra means smoother blades and less water resistance. Propeller super polishing is designed to reduce Ra to near-original factory specification.
Can propeller polishing be combined with hull cleaning?
Yes. Most operators schedule propeller super polishing alongside underwater hull cleaning in a single dive mobilization, saving time and cost while addressing both drag sources together.
Does propeller polishing help reduce vibration and noise?
Yes. Removing surface roughness and imbalance-causing fouling from propeller blades helps reduce cavitation, vibration, and underwater noise, contributing to smoother vessel operation and crew comfort.
How do I request a propeller super polishing service?
Contact CleanShip Marine with your vessel's propeller specifications and port of call, and our diving team will schedule an underwater propeller polishing service with full inspection reporting.
We always ready to serve you.
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. You get a scope, a crew size and an honest duration — usually the same working day.