DNV GL said that it has enhanced its Energy Management approach and supporting toolkit for the next level; to save fuel. The classification society cites examples showing how its new basic three-step process has helped shipowners so far.
Merten Stein, Head of Shipping Advisory Germany at DNV GL ‒ Maritime says that medium-sized and large fleet owners, managers and operators can benefit from this approach and improve their energy management significantly.
The steps that DNV GL suggests are:
- Analysis of the ship specifics, the operating profile and the existing energy management system to identify the most promising and feasible improvement areas.
- Design of an energy management concept, including a strategy, specific measures and targets, the organizational implications, a monitoring and reporting concept, a change management concept, and quick wins.
- Coordination and monitoring of the implementation, providing supporting tools and defining relevant procedures. This step also includes support in achieving behavioural change among the client’s staff and firmly embedding energy management in the corporate culture.
Merten Stein points out: “Often many smaller measures add up to substantial savings. Taking a holistic approach by combining these measures to deliver the greatest possible benefit is key.”
DNV GL said that it has applied its energy management solutions to Euronav and K Line with proven results and explained about the fuel saving potentials (see image herebelow)
”Practical experience has shown that significant fuel savings can be achieved across all ship types, depending on ship type and the sophistication of the customer’s systems. For a bulk carrier, for example, the savings potential adds up to 7–13.5 per cent in ship operations alone. A proven measure in this field is voyage execution and charter planning, and in particular, speed and route optimization as well as fuel efficiency incentives in the charter party. ” DNV GL commented.
Also, another 5–10 per cent can often be gained by optimizing the ship’s condition: Advanced condition monitoring, defining the best hull and propeller cleaning intervals, and choosing the right coating can improve hull performance substantially. Monitoring engine performance and operations, including the auxiliary engines, typically results in another 1.5–5 per cent in savings, DNV GL concluded.
