Hull performance key to efficiency

According to Jotun Marine analyst manager Manolis Levantis, Jotun Marine has collected data on hull performance from different types of vessels performing various services for more than decade. This has been possible as Jotun’s Hull Performance Solutions requires participating vessels to install sensors for the measurement of changes in hull and propeller performance.

Mr Levantis said: “We estimate that the average yearly speed loss for all vessel types and trades, regardless of what anti-fouling is used, is about six percent,” he says. “For a typical bulk carrier, compensating for this speed loss would require an increase of power of up to 18 per cent, resulting in higher fuel costs and GHG emissions.”

Bigger loss?

However, Mr Levantis notes that Jotun’s data is taken from owners and fleet managers who are committed to improving hull performance, so “the market speed loss average may exceed six per cent”.

Jotun worked in cooperation with Gearbulk in 2016 to measure hull performance. GearBulk shared historical performance data from the cargo ship Penguin Arrow dating from January 2000, allowing for a full comparative analysis.

After installing sensors and applying Jotun’s premium anti-fouling, SeaQuantum x200, Jotun was able to monitor speed loss over a 60-month period. The results indicated a speed loss of 0.5%, resulting in an estimated fuel savings of US1.5m and a corresponding reduction of CO2 emissions of 12,055t.

“Our data conclusively proves the link between hull performance and fuel efficiency,” said Mr Levantis.

By Rebecca Jeffrey