Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) has completed dry dock and sea trials for MV Ballard, a vessel which implements several energy efficiency measures, including air lubrication.
MV Ballard is one one of the first vessels within the dry bulk/tanker space, to adopt Silverstream Technologies’ air lubrication system, which uses air release units (ARUs) to reduce friction between the hull and water, resulting in decreased net fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Additional energy efficiency installations include:
- WE Tech shaft generator, which converts rotational energy from the propeller shaft into electric power to supply the Silverstream system and other on-board systems. This generates electricity more efficiently from main engine, instead of the less efficient auxiliary engines.
- Becker Mewis Duct, a custom-designed hull appendage that improves propeller inflow hydrodynamics.
- Welding seem fairing, a material is applied to welding seams that are created where the steel sheets of a ship’s hull meet, thereby smoothing the hull and reducing friction.
- Silicon paint, a friction resistant anti-fouling paint to further improve hull performance.
- Kongsberg Ship Performance System, which provides provides real-time, high-frequency sensor data to onshore locations.
- Starlink internet system, with the aim improve internet connectivity and facilitate digital collaboration and data exchange between the ship and shore.
The implementation of these efficiency improvements illustrates our commitment to take a front-runner position in delivering cost-effective decarbonization to our customers.
… said CEO, Engebret Dahm
Following the sea trials, Ballard has returned to service with performance data of the new installations continuously monitored. Should all technologies deliver in line with KCC’s expectations, an energy efficiency improvement of around 15% is anticipated aboard the vessel.
During the 2023 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Maria Tsompanoglou, Energy Performance Manager, Pantheon Tankers Management Ltd, explained that especially for vessels over ten years old, energy saving technologies is the way to go and the obvious solution to improve their performance.
