Binsfeld Engineering is proud to be a market-leader in the marine market, offering user-friendly and easily integrated torque and power measurement solutions. Whether our customers want to monitor vessel performance, diagnose the root cause of repeated component failures, or increase fuel efficiency, Binsfeld shaft power meters provide the data needed to get the job done.


  • Reduce downtime by knowing when engine, propeller, gearbox, or bearing performance is degrading
  • Initiate preventative maintenance or replace worn components only when needed


  • Diagnose propulsion problems
  • Figure out why hull efficiency has degraded (hull-fouling)
  • Determine the root cause of an excessive torsional vibration on a propeller shaft


  • Combine mechanical horsepower measurement with vessel speed and fuel consumption sensors to monitor fuel consumption and increase fuel efficiency
  • Meet emissions requirements by optimizing fuel efficiency

What is a Marine Shaft Power Meter?

A marine shaft power meter measures the real time torque (torsion), speed, and power of a marine shaft. The meter uses a strain gage to measure torque and a tachometer to measure shaft speed. Power is calculated by combining these two inputs (shaft speed and torque) into a simple equation.

What is engine thrust and how is it measured?

Engine thrust is the axial force exerted by an engine. This is realized as compression on the shaft. The most common way thrust is measured in the marine industry is through the Bollard Pull test. In this test, a boat is tethered to a post, and the engines are brought up to maximum power. A force/tension gage is used in-line with a rope to determine what the maximum Bollard Pull rating (or maximum towing weight) is.

The Bollard Pull test measures the cumulative pull force of all the propellers on a ship. If the thrust value for each of the ships individual engines is desired, then the thrust on each shaft can be measured by using a thrust pattern strain gage. Careful consideration for accuracy should be taken when using this method. Since the compressive displacement of a shaft is much lower than torsional displacement, the strain gage method is not as accurate (typically +/- 10%). An added advantage to using a shaft power meter during Bollard Pull Testing is that the true mechanical horsepower of the engine can be monitored, which can help identify if one engine is underperforming or help root-cause/prevent a failed Bollard Pull test.

 Bollard Pull Test
Figure 2 - Bollard Pull Test
What is hull fouling?

Hull fouling is defined as the buildup of organisms (plants, algae, barnacles, etc) on an engine hull. The buildup of these organisms causes the vessel to lose fuel efficiency (due to increased drag on the hull), can lead to the transfer of invasive species, and promotes corrosive damage on the hull. Hull fouling can be discovered by visual inspection or through the use of a shaft power meter. By comparing the output power to a calibrated baseline, ship performance monitoring can help identify if excessive drag is prevalent, which could indicate hull fouling.

Torque Measurement Reveals Hull Fouling
Ship Power Plant Protected by High Torque Alarm
Ship Propulsion System: Navy Relies on Telemetry for Sea Trials
'Ghost' Torque Captured Onboard Navy Ship
Steam Engines: Determine Horsepower Demand
Marine Propulsion System Upgrade Trials
Setting Engine Maximum Power Output
Damaging Torsional Vibration Identified & Eliminated
Torsional Vibration on Tanker Shaft