20/09/2026
For a USV, vessel efficiency is critical. When began analysing the drivetrain for Pioneer USV, the numbers quickly pointed to the propeller as the biggest opportunity to optimise efficiency and improve vessel endurance.
That led ACUA Ocean to us at CJR Propulsion. Our approach combined hundreds of simulation runs and manual model adjustments to develop a propeller specifically matched to Pioneer’s speed profile.
But the design is only half the story. Our highly refined manufacturing process uses robotics to produce the casting moulds, followed by five-axis CNC machining to achieve an exceptionally precise, hydrodynamic finish.
The result? Our Class S propeller achieves just over 70% efficiency.
That gain has a dramatic impact on vessel endurance, potentially adding tens of days depending on fuel type and quantity. Earlier this year, Mk1 Pioneer remained at sea continuously for more than 100 hours at around 16 to 20 nautical miles offshore under remote control from ACUA Ocean’s operations centre. And earlier this month, Pioneer successfully completed the world’s first continuous, remote, zero-emissions 24-hour offshore operation, powered by hydrogen.
A standard propeller typically operates at only around 50% efficiency, while most onboard electrical and electronic systems can exceed 90%. If you're looking to maximise your vessel efficiency, choosing the right propeller should be your first area to focus on. Get in touch with our team to find out more.
