Ship energy performance benchmarking/rating: Methodology and application

Abstract

Energy benchmarking/rating is used in order to assess the performance of an asset against best-in-class equivalents. In many cases, the best-in-class equivalents are defined in standardised formats. Energy labelling of home appliances and cars and energy rating of buildings are examples of standard benchmarking/rating schemes. There is currently no well-defined or standardised energy performance benchmarking/rating scheme for ships. This paper aims to fill this gap via introducing basic methodology, Key Performance Indicators (KPls), their reference values and an energy rating scheme. Data are used to demonstrate how the scheme is implemented and sample results are provided. It is shown that the proposed benchmarking/rating scheme for ships is feasible and it could be used to differentiate ships according to their energy performance. As such, its use within a wider ship owners' 'energy efficiency and emissions control' programme is recommended.