Optimizing machinery performance pays off

2009-06-17

Høvik: A 4% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved simply by optimizing a vessel’s machinery performance. This has recently been confirmed by Japanese Sanko Line on board its VLCC the Sanko Unity by use of a ship energy audit.

During the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo last week, DNV launched its new Technical Operations Performance (TOP) monitoring service. This tool involves a rigorous regime of inspecting key technical parameters and implementing recommendations for optimizing a ship’s operational performance.

In order to promote safe operations and emission reductions, the Sanko Line is updating its seafarers’ skills and machinery performance. On board the Sanko Unity, DNV has carried out a ship energy audit verified Sanko Lines’ achievements will be in the range of 4% reduction in the CO2 emissions.

The onboard ship energy audit was carried out during a recent voyage from Singapore to Korea. The performance of the vessel’s main engine, auxiliary engines and cargo gears was measured and assessed in comparison with when the ship was built.

The ship energy audit methodology used on board the Sanko Unity has been developed by DNV based on DNV's Condition Assessment Programme (CAP).

Sanko Lines will continue to monitor the fuel consumption on board the Sanko Unity, and has plans to extend the ship energy audit to other vessels too.

By combining the two tools – ship energy audit and technical operations performance monitoring – the operator will be able to ensure that the vessel always is operated at peak performance.

DNV