How to Make Shipping More Environmentally Friendly:
Germanischer Lloyd Presents New Consultancy Service “GL FuelSaver”

Hamburg, 23 September 2008 – In the last two years, shipowners have seen bunker prices increase by roughly 140 %. Additionally considering upcoming environmental regulations, shipowners pay more attention to an economical and environmental friendly way of transport. The interest in reducing the fuel consumption for all kinds of vessels is high. Classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has responded to this demand: In a press conference at SMM today, GL presented its “GL FuelSaver” suite of new services.

It includes the “CO2-Index Data Analysis” and the “Operational Fuel Consumption Analysis” which help shipowners and ship managers to understand fuel consumption patterns and to identify technical and operational measures to reduce fuel costs.

Combination of Tools to Reduce Fuel Consumption

The CO2-index Data Analysis focuses on high-level fuel consumption and transport work information. It is an entry-level analysis which identifies the main drivers of voyages with unexpected high or low fuel consumption. The analysis is split into the individual analysis of a vessels’ voyages, design index and sister vessel comparisons. Ideally, the data from the certified operational CO2-index are used.

The results of the CO2-index Data Analysis are used as input to the “Operational Fuel Consumption Analysis” together with specific ship system data. The experience of key crew members and the fleet management is integrated into the interactive analysis of actual fuel consumption and ranking of improvement measures. The resulting report summarizes practical advice on how to improve the ship’s efficiency as a function of fuel price.

Additionally, GL offers individual reviews and analyses for hull, machinery and the ship’s operation to examine in more detail identified efficiency improving measures and their cost benefits ratios.

Germanischer Lloyd press release