HAMPSHIRE based underwater engineering specialists UMC International have sealed a deal to service the propellers of Wilhelmsen Car Carriers.

Spanning two years and 20 vessels, the contract will see UMC divers at work during the short time the ships are docked in port loading and unloading.

Freshly polished propellers can deliver fuel savings of up to eight per cent for ships a key saving in light of rocketing oil prices.

The deal is a business coup for the Chandler's Ford based firm, which employs 30 people and is enjoying such an upturn in business it is considering hiring more.

Worldwide, it cleans the propellers of 500 vessels, including at two bases in the United Arab Emirates and in Rotterdam.

Specialising in ship and submarine maintenance without the need for drydock, UMC can even replace sections of hull below the waterline.

UMC director Peter Stevenson said: "All of the work is done while the ships are loading or discharging because ships, with the freight rates at the moment, would be losing money stalled in port.

"We are not in the business of delaying ships."

General manager of WCC, Ole Alveberg, said: With fuel prices soaring we are always looking for methods to increase our cost effectiveness. Keeping blade surfaces super smooth prevents marine growth on the propeller and this contributes significantly to fuel savings."

A UMC International diver is pictured polishing a giant propeller.