Speed Optimization

Optimum speed means the speed at which the fuel used per ton mile is at a minimum level for that voyage. It does not mean minimum speed; in fact sailing at less than optimum speed will b more fuel rather than less. However speed optimization could lead to increased port conges and be a new source of delay unless very carefully analyzed and there needs to be a balance between voyage speed and the num ships engaged in a particular trade route. Reference should be made to the engine manufacturers speed/consumption curve. There are possibly further adverse consequences of slow speed operation and careful technical adv needs to be followed.

E ngine P erform ance C urves

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Im ep Bem and torque p Indicated pow er Brake pow er Indicated therm al efficiency Brake therm al efficiency Specific fuel consum ption
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Fuel conservation
Optimum Trim
Most ships are designed to carry a designated amount of cargo at a certain speed for a certain fuel consumption. This implies the specification of set trim conditions. Loaded or unloaded, trim has a significant influence on the resistance of the ship through the water. In some ships it is possible to assess optimum trim conditions during the voyage but for others it is not possible as design factors may predominate.

Fuel conservation

Fuel conservation
Optimum Ballast
Ballast should be adjusted taking into consideration the requirements to meet optimum trim and steering conditions and optimum ballast conditions achieved through good cargo planning for both dry cargo ships and liquid cargo ships. When determining the optimum ballast conditions, the limits, conditions and ballast management arrangements set out in the Ballast Water Management Plan, if applicable, are to be observed for that ship. Ballast conditions have a significant impact on steering conditions and autopilot settings and it needs to be noted that less ballast water does not necessarily mean

Fuel conservation

Fuel conservation
Optimum Propeller Considerations

Optimal use of Rudder and Heading Control Systems (Autopilots

Hull Maintenance

Propulsion System
Marine diesel engines thermal efficiency around 56%. Fuel cell technology average thermal efficiency of 60%. Propulsion System Maintenance Maintenance in accordance with manufacturers instructions and the companys planned maintenance schedule will also maintain efficiency. Additional means to improve efficiency include: Use of fuel additives Scrape down analysis of Cylinder L.O consumption Slide valves on main engine Torque analysis Engine monitoring systems

Fuel conservation
Waste Heat Recovery Possible Benefits: Reduced fuel consumption by up to 12 % (claimed) Less auxiliary generator maintenance Lower emissions Potentially more cargo space (less bunker capacity needed)

Other Measures
Some other fuel efficiency measures that may be considered: 1) Increase speed more economically. After dropping the pilot a gradual increase of speed to keep the engine load within certain limits will reduce fuel consumption. 2) As per 1) to be applied to Pilotage areas as well within safe parameters. 3) Carry out tank cleaning and gas freeing only when necessary and not merely to satisfy vessels Management system requirements. For example we specify each cargo tank to be visually inspected once per year but if the vessel is trading in black products for a prolonged period it would be inefficient merely to clean the tank for an inspection. 4) Consider fitting vessels with a harbour generator. Many vessels when in port or at anchor use a generator that is run inefficiently on a low load. Having a smaller harbour generator on certain vessels could reduce

Other Measures
7) Aerodynamic considerations of the above water areas of a vessel. 8) Reefer container stowage positions segregate as much as possible to reduce heat transfer from compressor units. 9) Better berthing schedules for vessels waiting at anchor if on 12 hours notice rather than 1 hours notice vessels systems can be optimised for fuel savings. 10) Cargo conditioning on passage (such as cargo tank heating, ventilation, etc.) operators and charterers to consider exactly what is required and necessary. 11) Some vessels drift off port waiting for berthing. It may be advantageous to seek a safe anchorage as quite often the vessel has to run its engines to reposition itself. Ports to consider how they charge anchorage dues to assist in this matter and also need