Identification of optimal trim configurations to improve energy efficiency in ships

Abstract

Identification of optimal trim configuration to improve ship energy efficiency (i.e. the respective fuel usage can be reduced) by vessel performance and navigation data is presented. Therefore, this study can be an important part of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), which is a mandatory requirement that should be implemented for all ships (i.e. 400 GT and above). Hence, a brief summary of the applicable emission control regulations in the shipping industry is illustrated and their influence on improving ship energy efficiency is also discussed. Furthermore, statistical data analyses on the respective performance and navigation parameters (i.e. wind speed and direction, average draft, trim, SOG, log speed, ME power, shaft speed and fuel consumption) of a selected vessel are presented, where several higher fuel consumption trends under these parameter variations are also noted. Furthermore, various ship trim configurations with respect to the main engine (ME) fuel consumption rates are analysed to identify the optimal navigation conditions for the respective draft values of the ship. Furthermore, several erroneous data regions in the same performance and navigation parameters are also observed and an approach, where the data quality can be improved, is also briefly discussed in this study.