As industries across the board strive for greater efficiency and cost savings, a new technology has emerged as a potential solution: the toroidal propeller. This innovative propeller design, inspired by the way fish swim, has the potential to revolutionise both the marine and aviation industries.

The origins of the toroidal propeller date back to the 1980s, when researchers studying fish movement discovered that a toroidal shape could create a vortex around the blade, reducing drag and increasing speed and manoeuvrability. Since then, toroidal propellers have been developed for use in the marine industry, with companies such as Vripack and Wavefoil leading the way.

While retrofitting an existing boat with a toroidal propeller can be costly, the potential benefits for the marine industry are significant. As fuel costs continue to rise, boat owners and operators are looking for ways to reduce their operating costs, and the toroidal propeller offers a promising solution. Improved efficiency and manoeuvrability could make boats more attractive to boaters who value convenience and ease of use.

The potential applications of toroidal propellers extend beyond the marine industry and into aviation. Researchers have already begun exploring the use of toroidal propellers for aircraft, with companies such as Nasa and Boeing testing and refining this technology. By reducing drag and increasing efficiency, toroidal propellers could improve aircraft performance and reduce fuel consumption.

While the potential benefits of toroidal propellers are clear, challenges remain. Retrofitting an existing boat or aircraft can be prohibitively expensive, and there are still technical challenges to be overcome. However, the promise of this technology for efficiency, manoeuvrability and environmental impact makes it a promising area of research.

As industries continue to seek solutions for greater efficiency and cost savings, the toroidal propeller offers a new and innovative approach. While the road to widespread adoption may not be without its challenges, the potential benefits for both the marine and aviation industries make it an area worth watching.

• Christian Chin-Gurret is a Bermudian writer with a Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Science in Product Design, who offers a unique perspective on shaping the future of business through innovation, disruption and technology. He can be reached athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christianchingurret/