Coupled modelling
A coherent representation of the vessel, propeller, engine, energy systems and their interactions.
Research · Engineering · Maritime
Integrated marine propulsion simulation to inform technical and energy decisions
OceanEngine develops advanced simulation methods to analyse the interactions between a vessel, its propulsion system and its operating conditions. We help maritime stakeholders compare configurations, explore scenarios and better understand the implications of their technical and energy choices.
A deeptech project built on marine propulsion research at Centrale Nantes.
Discuss a use caseOur approach
An integrated view of marine propulsion
Vessel performance depends on interactions between the hull, propeller, engine, energy systems, controls and marine environment. Our multiphysics approach examines these interactions under steady-state and transient conditions to reveal trade-offs that simplified or isolated models may not capture.
VesselPropellerEngineEnergyEnvironment
Dynamic simulation
Analysis of propulsion-system behaviour as load, speed, sea state or operating conditions change.
Decision support
Scenario comparison and translation of simulation results into actionable indicators, conclusions and recommendations.
Who is it for?
An approach for those who design, integrate or operate propulsion systems
OceanEngine seeks to collaborate with organisations facing decisions about the architecture, integration, operation or transformation of marine propulsion systems.
Shipowners and fleet managers
Assess propulsion, retrofit or operational options before committing to major investments.
Designers, shipyards and integrators
Complement the design process with dynamic system analysis and anticipate interactions between equipment.
Engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers and technology developers
Study how equipment or an energy innovation integrates into the complete propulsion system.
Use cases
Studies built around a decision or engineering question
Our approach does not impose a standard solution. Each study starts with a vessel, configuration or problem defined together with the partner.
Compare propulsion architectures
Study thermal, hybrid or electric configurations, including those combined with wind-assistance technologies.
Assess a transformation or retrofit
Analyse the technical and energy implications of changes to the engine, propeller, storage, auxiliaries or control strategy.
Study realistic operating conditions
Observe system behaviour as load, speed, sea state or mission conditions vary.
Identify system-level trade-offs
Reveal interactions between consumption, power, engine dynamics, operational constraints and propulsive performance.
From the initial question to actionable results
- 01
Define the study case
Vessel, system, available data and question to address.
- 02
Build the model
Select the relevant level of detail and integrate the components.
- 03
Simulate the scenarios
Compare the selected configurations and operating conditions.
- 04
Analyse and report
Indicators, comparative results, limitations and technical recommendations.
Scientific foundations
Methods grounded in marine propulsion research
OceanEngine builds on several years of research into the dynamic modelling of marine engines and coupled engine–propeller–vessel systems. This work has examined propulsion-system behaviour in sea conditions and the influence of control strategies on performance.
The research is now being extended towards engineering applications and collaborations with maritime-sector organisations.
The team
Expertise shaped by research and real-world experience
Co-founder
Dr Anibal Aguillon Salazar
Energy engineer with a PhD specialising in marine propulsion and four-stroke engine performance.
Co-founder
Dr Chuma Ncobo
Engineer with a PhD specialising in numerical simulation of coupled engine–propeller–vessel systems, with maritime and offshore engineering experience.
Together, we develop simulation tools and methods to analyse marine propulsion systems, compare solutions and support engineering decisions.
Contact
Let’s discuss your marine propulsion challenges
Are you working on a propulsion, retrofit, energy-integration or system-simulation challenge? We offer an initial discussion to understand your needs, the available data and the decisions you are seeking to inform.
OceanEngine is currently in development and in dialogue with maritime-sector organisations. Industrial feedback, exploratory studies and technical collaborations are welcome.
Arrange an initial discussion contact@oceanengine.frNantes, France