Schematic of the proposed pneumatic propulsion with multi-option for connectivity, be it grid and/or renewable energy connectivity. (Credit: Energy Conversion and Management 2025)
Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking methodology that could revolutionize maritime transport by replacing traditional diesel engines with pneumatic propellers on ferry boats.
According to a new study published in the journal Energy Conversion and Management, researchers successfully demonstrated that two air motors—each generating 250 kW of power—could effectively replace diesel engines. These pneumatic motors provided sufficient propulsion to operate a ferry on a fixed route within Finland’s maritime transport network, offering a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to conventional marine engines.
The study was designed to assess both the technical and economic feasibility of implementing pneumatic propulsion systems on existing ferry boats. Researchers emphasize that their findings represent a significant step toward decarbonizing maritime transport, reducing emissions, and supporting Finland’s broader goals for sustainable energy and transportation.
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If successfully scaled, this innovative approach could play a crucial role in transforming marine mobility worldwide, cutting reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining operational efficiency.
“It is demonstrated that pneumatic propulsion, while unconventional, holds a promise as a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to conventional marine engines, particularly for short-distance ferry operations.”
Diesel engines are currently the most reliable internal combustion engines in terms of power density control and robustness. However, they require large amounts of diesel fuel to power them. Moreover, they can be fairly noisy, and worse they are a major source of pollution.
“Replacing these engines with pneumatic ones is a cleaner and more effective option as these engines can also be incorporated into the ferry body to store air either within the structure of the boat or on auxiliary tanks, which will enhance buoyancy,” said Abdul Hai Alami, the lead author.
The research findings are based on experimental results and realistic calculations as the authors use polytropic relations to calculate the behavior of the air from the time it is pressurized in the tank to its flowing into the air motor used to rotate the propeller.
“Using this method for maritime vessels is attractive from economic, practical and environmental vantage points and could be easily adapted to most ferry boats even in harsh conditions,” added Alami, who is also Sharjah University’s professor of sustainable and renewable energy.
Instead of relying on diesel, electricity, or batteries, pneumatic propellers harness the power of compressed air to drive motors, cylinders, and other mechanical systems. The authors’ proposed pneumatic propulsion system uses compressed air, held in high-pressure tanks and directed into a vaned air motor that drives a naval impeller.
