To current highlights

Dolprop as an enabler

Dolprop as an Enabler

A more sustainable planet

Inspired by the wonder of evolution we take a biomimetic approach in developing the world’s most sustainable marine propulsion technology.

The long term goal is to make our technology operational for large commercial vessels as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional technologies.

On the journey towards changing the prerequisites for global shipping, the technology will be made  available for a selected range of maritime applications.

0 %
of the earth’s water is held by the oceans
0 %
of all cargo is shipped on these oceans
0 tons
CO2 is annually emitted from shipping

The most sustainable

World's Most Sustainable Marine Propulsion TechnologyLearn
more →World's Most Sustainable Marine Propulsion Technology
  • Efficiency

  • Silence

  • Safety
Our unique designs offer unparalleled:A game-changer for the maritime industry.World's Most Sustainable Marine Propulsion Technology
Slide thumbnailDolprop - Efficient Marine Propulsion Technology    A large container vessel can carry more than 6000 tons of fuel and consumes typically 200 tons per day while cruising.EfficiencyInspired by the wonder of evolution, we develop the most efficient propulsors ever seen.The biggest impact is significantly decreased fuel consumption, consequently reduced emissions and lowered costs.

Research also shows promising results for maintenance and durability.- Dolphin flukes easily exceed a hydrodynamic efficiency of 85% - 90% where propellers only reach 40% - 70%.

- A dolphin weighing 300 kg reaches a speed of 30+ knots and jumps several meters powered by remarkably few horsepower.
Slide thumbnailDolprop - Silent OceansSilenceDolprop's bio-inspired flukes are able to operate at exceptionally low rpm, with no cavitation.Since 1950, human activities have rapidly expanded across the oceans. This, unfortunately, led to an increase of the underwater, low-frequency noise at a rate of 3.3 dB per decade.Marine mammals and fish use hearing as their primary sense and are highly dependent upon sound for navigation, communication, finding food, reproduction and hazard detection.Dolprop - The Sound of NatureOne can imagine this means silent…
Dolprop - Safe Marine Propulsion TechnologySafetyFluke technology eliminates injuries to animals and humans, and is resistent in case of unintended contact with foreign objects.While propeller blades are rigid and sharp, the dolphin flukes are flexible with soft edges.We see a strong commitment from people deeply affected by damage on marine life caused by propellers.

Search And Rescue (SAR) professionals show great interest in the technology. Injuring people in the water is a considerable risk during SAR-operations.Dolprop - SAR Rescue TeamScroll down to learn more about our technologyOne could say that nature developed its own propulsion technology with safety in mind.Injuring people is a considerable risk during SAR-operations.

Technology

Dolprop - versatile propulsion packageBiomimetic approachOne of Dolprop´s highly efficient and versatile propulsion packages. The convertor transforms rotational motion into reciprocating (flapping) motion.Our flukes generate thrust by performing a sine-wave motion, known as thunniform swimming.Several components need to be addressed in order to achieve optimised movement of the fluke.This is a primary mode of locomotion for numerous fast swimmers such as dolphins, whales, and some of the fastest fish species e.g tunas and barracudas.DolPOD - Sustainable and affordable marine propulsionTherefore, we have developed unique solutions to ensure a coupled motion resulting in an highly beneficial movement pattern.Learn more
Dolprop - Sinus waves in fluke technologyDolprop - sinus waves in fluke technologyThe propulsor utilises a motion control which allows control of the angle of attack, following from interaction with the ambient water.The fluke moves with optimised angle of attack in a smooth sine-wave motion.Hence, the fluke experiences minimal flow separation, enabling efficient propulsion for a wide range of operating rpm.Smart system
Dolprop - Optimised wing profilesDolprop - Optimised wing profilesOptimal GeometryWe actually take nature a little bit beyond itself. This however, we don´t tell the dolphins…Our flukes are based on a combination of spanwise geometry and hydrofoil shapes, which are found to best resemble nature.

In addition, they demonstrate lifelike flexibility under motion, which reduces the impact of secondary vortices in a similar fashion to modern airplane wingtips.We develop our own unique and optimised wing profiles.
Slide thumbnailDolprop Patent LicensingScroll down to learn more about our facilitiesThe operations utilise the fact that Dolprop upholds a family of patents.

Being an IP and R&D company, the patents are considered as one of our core assets. We emphasis a continuous development of the patents, both technically and geographically.Dolprop upholds its patents in a wide range of countries.Patents

Facilities

Slide thumbnailDolprop WorkshopDolprop Open Water TestingOur R&D facilities are situated in Spånga, just 7 minutes with public transport from the central station of Stockholm.

There you find our test tank, prototype workshop, and the scenic coast where we run our sea trials.Our test facilities allow us to work with both scale models and real size vehicles.We carry out everything from idea to qualified prototyping and scale modelling.Hands-on expertiseFluke movement in Dolprop's test tankStudying the fluke's movements in the test tank."Dolprop aims to uphold the most capable company owned R&D-centre for technology and product development in the field."Nick Lagopoulos, PhDHead of R&DOur CFD capacity
Dolprop - Optimised wing profilesDolprop - Simulations BoatDolprop - Fluke simulationsComputational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)In collaboration with the Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre we have developed a digital twin. For the projects this means cost-savings and quick, accurate estimations.The software is capable to take both the connected hull and surrounding water in account.The digital twin makes it possible to simulate the hydrodynamic characteristics nearby the fluke.

Highlights – SA-1

SA-1 – Our KCS Model 

Our KCS model has been quite busy during the last quarter of 2022. Propulsion and stability experiments have been conducted at a range of speed close to the design specs (max. 24 knots at full size). Also the manoeuvrability has been confirmed.

We were extremely satisfied with the results so far.

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Highlights – DolPOD

Project DolPOD

During 2021, Dolprop and the Norwegian company SeaDrive formed a consortium for a joint R&D-project funded by Vinnova and The Research Council of Norway within the Eurostars programme.

The DolPOD
The DolPOD

The project aims to develop the DolPOD; integrating SeaDrive’s state-of-the-art electric pods with Dolprop’s highly efficient and virtually cavitation-free fluke technology.

The short term goal is to have a prototype ready for open water test during summer 2022.

Vinnova / Eurostars

EUREKAs Eurostars programme supports innovative SMEs and project partners by funding international collaborative R&D and innovation projects.

The DolPOD-project was assessed by independent international experts and was ranked high among the projects received in Cut-off 15 by Eurostars 2.

Sweden´s Innovation Agency, Vinnova, as well as the Norwegian counterpart therefore decided to grant funding to the project.

Vinnova - Sweden's Innovation Agency
EUREKA - Eurostars
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Career

Working with us at Dolprop

We are looking for talents ready to tackle challenging projects that will ultimately enable a new standard for marine propulsion. Are you one of them?

There are also openings available for master-class students with an interest in the field. We can offer tasks within a wide variety of projects.

Get in contact

To current highlights

Dolprop as an enabler

Dolprop as an Enabler

A more sustainable planet

Inspired by the wonder of evolution we take a biomimetic approach in developing the world’s most sustainable marine propulsion technology.

The long term goal is to make our technology operational for large commercial vessels as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional technologies.

On the journey towards changing the prerequisites for global shipping, the technology will be made  available for a selected range of maritime applications.

0 %
of the earth’s water is held by the oceans
0 %
of all cargo is shipped on these oceans
0 tons
of CO2 is annually emitted from shipping

The most sustainable

World's Most Sustainable Marine Propulsion TechnologyWorld's Most Sustainable Marine Propulsion Technology
  • Efficiency

  • Silence

  • Safety
Our unique designs offer unparalleled:A game-changer for the maritime industry.Learn more
Dolprop - Efficient Marine Propulsion TechnologyDolprop - Efficient Marine Propulsion TechnologyA large container vessel can carry more than 6000 tons of fuel and consumes typically 200 tons per day while cruising.EfficiencyInspired by the wonder of evolution, we develop the most efficient propulsors ever seen.The biggest impact is significantly decreased fuel consumption, consequently reduced emissions and lowered costs.

Research also shows promising results for maintenance and durability.- Dolphin flukes easily exceed a hydrodynamic efficiency of 85% - 90% where propellers only reach 40% - 70%.

- A dolphin weighing 300 kg reaches a speed of 30+ knots and jumps several meters powered by remarkably few horsepower.
Slide thumbnailDolprop Silent OceansSilenceDolprop's bio-inspired flukes are able to operate at exceptionally low rpm, with no cavitation.Since 1950, human activities have rapidly expanded across the oceans. This, unfortunately, led to an increase of the underwater, low-frequency noise at a rate of 3.3 dB per decade.Marine mammals and fish use hearing as their primary sense and are highly dependent upon sound for navigation, communication, finding food, reproduction and hazard detection.Dolprop - The Sound of NatureOne can imagine this means silent…
Dolprop - Safe Marine Propulsion TechnologyDolprop - Safe Marine Propulsion TechnologySafetyFluke technology eliminates injuries to animals and humans, and is resistent in case of unintended contact with foreign objects.While propeller blades are rigid and sharp, the dolphin flukes are flexible with soft edges.We see a strong commitment from people deeply affected by damage on marine life caused by propellers.

Search And Rescue (SAR) professionals show great interest in the technology. Injuring people in the water is a considerable risk during SAR-operations.Dolprop - SAR Rescue TeamInjuring people is a considerable risk during SAR-operations.Scroll down to learn more about our technologyOne could say that nature developed its own propulsion technology with safety in mind.

Technology

Dolprop - versatile propulsion packageDolPOD - Sustainable and affordable marine propulsionOur flukes generate thrust by performing a sine-wave motion, known as thunniform swimming.

This is a primary mode of locomotion for numerous fast swimmers such as dolphins, whales, and some of the fastest fish species e.g tunas and barracudas.


Several components need to be addressed in order to achieve optimised movement of the fluke.One of Dolprop´s highly efficient and versatile propulsion packages. The convertor transforms rotational motion into reciprocating (flapping) motion.Biomimicry approachTherefore, we have developed unique solutions to ensure a coupled motion resulting in an highly beneficial movement pattern.
Dolprop - Sinus waves in fluke technologyDolprop - sinus waves in fluke technologyThe propulsor utilises a motion control which allows control of the angle of attack, following from interaction with the ambient water.The fluke moves with optimised angle of attack in a smooth sine-wave motion.Smart systemHence, the fluke experiences minimal flow separation, enabling efficient propulsion for a wide range of operating rpm.
Dolprop - Optimised wing profilesDolprop - Optimised wing profilesOur flukes are based on a combination of spanwise geometry and hydrofoil shapes, which are found to best resemble nature.

In addition, they demonstrate lifelike flexibility under motion, which reduces the impact of secondary vortices in a similar fashion to modern airplane wingtips.We actually take nature a little bit beyond itself. This however, we don´t tell the dolphins…We develop our own unique and optimised wing profiles.Optimal geometry
Slide thumbnailThe operations utilise the fact that Dolprop upholds a family of patents.

Being an IP and R&D company, the patents are considered as one of our core assets. We emphasis a continuous development of the patents, both technically and geographically.Dolprop upholds its patents in a wide range of countries.PatentsScroll down to learn more about our facilitiesDolprop Patent Licensing

Facilities

Slide thumbnailFluke movement in Dolprop's test tankDolprop - Fluke SimulationsStudying the fluke's movements in the test tank.Together with Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre we have developed a ”digital twin” and are able to execute some of the most advanced analyses available in the field."Dolprop aims to uphold the most capable company owned R&D-centre for technology and product development in the field."Nick Lagopoulos, PhDHead of R&DSwipe to learn more
Slide thumbnailDolprop - Open Water TestingDolprop WorkshopOur R&D facilities are situated in Spånga, just 7 minutes with public transport from the central station of Stockholm. There you find our test tank, prototype workshop, and the scenic coast where we run our sea trials.Our test facilities allow us to work with both scale models and real size vehicles.We carry out everything from idea to qualified prototyping and scale modelling.Hands-on expertiseCFD capacity
Slide thumbnailDolprop - Fluke SimulationsDolprop - Simulations BoatThe software is capable to take both the connected hull and surrounding water in account.The digital twin makes it possible to simulate the hydrodynamic characteristics nearby the fluke.Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)In collaboration with the Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre we have developed a digital twin. For the projects this means cost-savings and quick, accurate estimations.

Highlights – SA-1

SA-1 – Our KCS Model

Our KCS model has been quite busy during the last quarter of 2022. Propulsion and stability experiments have been conducted at a range of speed close to the design specs (max. 24 knots at full size). Also the manoeuvrability has been confirmed.

We are extremely satisfied with the results so far.

Back to top

Highlights – DolPOD

Project DolPOD

During 2021, Dolprop and the Norwegian company SeaDrive formed a consortium for a joint R&D-project funded by Vinnova and The Research Council of Norway within the Eurostars programme.

Vinnova - Sweden's Innovation Agency
EUREKA - Eurostars
READ MORE (pop-up)

The project aims to develop the DolPOD; integrating SeaDrive’s state-of-the-art electric pods with Dolprop’s highly efficient and virtually cavitation-free fluke technology.

The DolPOD
The DolPOD

The short term goal is to have a prototype ready for open water test during summer 2022.

Back to top

Career

Working with us at Dolprop

We are looking for talents ready to tackle challenging projects that will ultimately enable a new standard for marine propulsion. Are you one of them?

There are also openings available for master-class students. We can offer tasks within a wide variety of projects.

Get in contact