Reducing fuel usage and carbon emissions are two of the shipping industry's top priorities. Much work has already been done in terms of research and development to create the ultimate green ship. From renewable/alternative energy sources to design modifications, the industry has continually updated its technology for a more sustainable shipping and redaction of Ship fuel consumption.

LNG fuel, dual-fuel engines, and design modifications are all being investigated to minimize running costs and discover environmentally responsible ways to fulfill rigorous environmental laws.

In this article, we will look at both - some of the most regularly used approaches and some of the most current technology released in the industry. Using energy-saving propellers with a rudder bulb is one of the most effective methods to optimize a vessel. Whether liquid or gaseous fuels power an engine, the efficiency of a vessel may rise by up to 10%.

Propeller Attachment

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) deployed an energy-saving device called Hi-FIN, which is mounted to the hub of the ship propeller and creates opposing swirls that counteract the propeller's improved propulsion efficiency.

Year-long testing of the energy-saving gadget placed on a 162,000 m3 LNG carrier by HHI revealed that Hi-FIN could save up to 2.5 percent of fuel compared to the same kind of vessel without Hi-FIN. If the fuel-saving ratio is computed using an 8,600 TEU containership, the owners or operators of the containership may save around $750,000 per year or $19 million during the ship's anticipated lifespan of 25 years.

Automation

Royal Van Der Leun China automation system can contribute to reducing ship fuel consumption. Our Power Management System, for example, may limit power to non-essential electrical customers. Non-essential consumers aren't always unimportant; it depends on the circumstances aboard. Maybe they are not required in some operating modes at the moment. The less overall electrical power required equals less power produced and less fuel consumption and sustainable shipping.

However, PMS technology is not new; it has been around for a long time. Automation is used aboard autonomous ships to enhance or assist decision-making or handle repetitive, regular chores. Automation is used aboard unscrewed/remotely operated ships to allow shore-based operators to monitor and manage onboard systems.

Emissions may be decreased by up to 5% by using the heat available in engine exhaust and more effective measuring energy. Engine exhaust gases are hot, which may utilize this heat to generate energy. The power produced thus saves gasoline for a ship's diesel generators.

Low Loss Hybrid Energy System

The Low Loss Hybrid (LLH) System is a revolutionary technology that uses various power sources and energy storage devices to run prime movers at their peak performance. The system's capacity to reduce transient engine loads, which cause higher ship fuel consumption and emissions, is crucial. So Wärtsilä LLH system is integrated with the inverter control units and communicates with the standard power management system.

Furthermore, by improving power redundancy, the system enables the engine to run closer to its optimal design position when efficiency and emissions are maximum. Benefits include less maintenance and enhanced system performance due to the energy storage system's quick reaction. The entire hybrid control system is critical to the overall management and stability of the ship's electrical system and energy flows.

Air Lubrication

The Air Lubrication System uses air bubbles to reduce resistance between the ship's hull and seawater. It is also known as "Bubble technology," It works by providing air to the ship's underbelly to generate a coating of microscopic bubbles that aid in decreasing friction between the hull and the seawater.

The distribution of air bubbles throughout the hull surface minimizes resistance when working on the ship's hull, resulting in energy savings. The air lubrication system is predicted to provide up to a 10-15% decrease in CO2 emissions and considerable fuel savings, given the correct ship hull design.

Modifying Ship's Bulbous Bow

It may reduce ship fuel consumption by modifying the ship's bulbous bow. Companies such as NYK Group and Maersk Line have successfully employed this strategy to reduce fuel use. In the present slow-steaming situation, the NYK group reduced fuel expenses by around 8% by making bulbous bow energy-saving improvements to a containership, resulting in a certified 23% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over half a year. The Clipper group also saved a large amount of fuel using the same method.

Onboard DC Grid System

ABB's Onboard DC Grid system helps boats reduce fuel usage, noise, and environmental impact. According to measurements and tests conducted by Pon Power in collaboration with ABB on Myklebusthaug Offshore's platform supply vessel Dina Star, the system that allows engines to run at variable speeds for maximum fuel efficiency at each load level has been identified to reduce specific fuel oil consumption by up to 27%.

In addition to lowering fuel usage, the tests revealed a 30% decrease in engine room noise, contributing to better working conditions onboard the vessel.

FOE Technology

Blended Fuel Solutions' Fuel Oil Emulsion (FOE) technology burns more fully than unmodified fuel, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and cooler engines that should need less maintenance. It would reduce fuel use and emissions while also providing considerable financial savings. The Triple-E is the biggest and most efficient vessel in the world. The vessel lowers emissions and ship fuel consumption because of its two engines, efficient form, and innovative waste heat recovery system.

Wind and Solar Power

Wind energy is regarded as one of the most promising alternative energy sources for seagoing boats. Various approaches and technologies have been investigated to harness the power of wind energy.

Norsepower's sea testing of a novel wind propulsion technology revealed 2.6 percent fuel savings utilizing a single tiny Rotor Sail. Deltamarin has also introduced a new ro-pax vessel design with six-rotor sails to reduce fuel usage.

At Royal Van der Leun China, we strive toward utilizing technological advancements to enable us to provide the best products and services out there to our clients. Below are the reference projects integrated in Power Management System (PMS) and learn about them by clicking. Get in touch with us to find out more. 

Reference projects integrated in PMS

https://www.vanderleun.cn/product/Damen-RoPax-Ferry-25.html

https://www.vanderleun.cn/product/Damen-Tanker-3500T-18.html

https://www.vanderleun.cn/product/650m%3Csup%3E3%3Csup%3E-TSHD-16.html

https://www.vanderleun.cn/product/Damen-Crane-barge-(Cba-6324)-11.html

https://www.vanderleun.cn/product/7000m%3Csup%3E3%3Csup%3E-TSHD-12.html