Dr Batuhan Aktas, founder of EcoNavis Solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) Maritime Innovation Award for his pioneering work developing and commercialising the energy-efficiency Eco Boss Cap propeller hub — a technology that reduces hub vortex cavitation to improve a ship’s fuel consumption by more than 4%.
The award, sponsored by QinetiQ, was presented by Andrew Peters during RINA’s Annual Dinner in London on 28 May 2026. Dr Aktas is a Chancellor’s Fellow within the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Innovation at the Propeller Hub
Unlike conventional fin-based boss cap systems, the Eco Boss Cap uses an optimised internal chamber geometry and pressure-relief approach to stabilise the water flow behind the propeller hub, improving wake uniformity into the rudder. Each unit is bespoke to the vessel and developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) optimisation, taking into account hull form, operating conditions, and propeller and rudder interactions. The technology also reduces underwater radiated noise and vibration.
The first commercial retrofit was installed on a bulk carrier operated by Thailand’s Kaizen Ship Management. Subsequent orders have followed from Swire Shipping alongside engagement with a range of major international shipowners and operators.
Dr Aktas said: “Receiving the RINA Maritime Innovation Award is a tremendous honour, particularly given the Institution’s long-standing role in advancing naval architecture and maritime engineering worldwide. The Eco Boss Cap was developed with the objective of delivering a practical, scalable and commercially viable solution for reducing fuel consumption and emissions.”
University Spin-Out with Global Reach
Professor Neil Logan, Executive Director for EcoNavis, said: “This award is a significant achievement for Dr Aktas and further demonstrates the strength of Strathclyde’s maritime research and innovation ecosystem. Translating advanced hydrodynamic research into commercially deployed technology with measurable environmental and operational benefits is exactly the kind of impact universities should strive to deliver.”
EcoNavis Solutions was spun out from the University of Strathclyde and specialises in advanced propulsion enhancement systems designed to improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions and help shipowners comply with international regulatory standards. Dr Aktas will be presenting a paper at Posidonia in Athens on 4 June 2026 at the Smarter, Safer and More Efficient Ships seminar, sponsored by the UK Department for Business & Trade.
Previous winners of the RINA Maritime Innovation Award include the SCR Group for methanol storage (2025), Shell and Silverstream’s Air Lubrication System for LNGCs (2021) and Conoship and Econowind’s wind-assisted propulsion technology (2020).
For more information, visit econavis.co.uk.
