Imagine if ships could glide through the ocean as smoothly as dolphins? That’s exactly what scientists in China are doing with a bionic dolphin skin designed to slash fuel use for massive oil tankers! 🌊✨
A 300,000-tonne crude carrier docked in Quanzhou Port recently completed three test voyages using the futuristic skin on its propeller. Results? A 2% drop in fuel consumption and an estimated 900-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to taking 200 cars off the road! 🚗💨
Inspired by dolphin skin’s microstructures and mucus (nature’s ultimate friction fighters), the tech uses liquid-like materials and flexible textures thinner than a credit card. Researcher Zeng Zhixiang says it’s ‘simpler and cheaper’ than earlier shark-inspired designs, costing just $20,000 per propeller upgrade. 💰🔬
The innovation, developed by the Ningbo Institute of Materials and COSCO SHIPPING, could revolutionize green shipping. After sailing 35,000 nautical miles across Asia and the Middle East, the team now plans to equip 100+ tankers with the eco-friendly skin—a win for both wallets and the planet! 🌍💡
