Fuel Consumption

Opsealog: Path to data-driven efficiency in the OSV sector

Damien Bertin highlights findings of the firm’s latest white paper and offers recommendations that can help OSV operators secure immediate gains in fuel efficiency.

Published

11 months ago

November 27, 2023

Admin

Opsealog: The path to data-driven efficiency in the OSV sector

Damien Bertin, Business Director at maritime performance management expert Opsealog, highlights findings of the company’s latest white paper, offering recommendations that can help OSV operators secure immediate gains in fuel efficiency and reduce the carbon impact of their offshore activities:

Most OSV operators know what it takes to operate a fleet well. What they don’t always have is the precise, granular data they need to assess whether or not their vessels are performing at their best.

Fuel monitoring and analytics enables companies to track their fuel usage, have a better understanding of their energy efficiency and monitor the technical performance of the engines. For fleet managers, having detailed monitoring in place helps them gain insights on how to adjust operations to improve efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint and control operational costs. It also quantifies the reduction in fuel consumption gained from efficiency improvements or hull cleaning, for instance.

In short, it gives fleet managers the data to follow up on an objective, with an evidence-driven basis for making the best decisions about their fleet’s current operations and future trajectories.

The rise of the digital era comes as pressure to decarbonise is growing rapidly: globally through the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and its Data Collection System (DCS), and regionally through measures such as the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and EU MRV (monitoring, reporting, and verification) regulation. Although OSV operators are not yet required to comply with these regulations, it is likely they will need to do so in the future, as regulatory targets and reporting requirements ramp up in the OSV sector.

Whilst maritime decarbonisation targets are ambitious and will require action in the short term, the encouraging news is that there are five clear steps that we can take today that will deliver immediate and significant fuel savings in OSV operations. What is more, these short-term measures will lay the foundations for a long-term programme of change, all driven by a data-led approach to fuel efficiency.

Step 1: Mapping the existing data environment

The Alan Turing Institute defines data 'wrangling' as the process of understanding, integrating, and preparing data for computer modelling. In the context of ship operations, data mapping involves assessing various data sources, both digital and paper-based, and addressing issues like missing or messy data. This mapping also explores potential enhancements through external data, such as weather forecasts.

Most fuel efficiency improvements can be unlocked with data that is already available, avoiding the need to install new sensors or systems. Instead, the key is to streamline data collection and integration. Connectivity is crucial for data transfer, so upgrades and cybersecurity should be taken into consideration.

Collating data from different sources often requires the deployment of Application Program Interfaces (APIs), and questions of data ownership must be addressed contractually.

Step 2: Understanding the data analysis process

After data is collected, checked, and integrated, human oversight becomes crucial in the analysis process. While digital tools provide a precise snapshot of fleet performance and identify patterns, human expertise is necessary to interpret the data in the specific context of the company, fleet, and operational challenges. In short, people play a vital role in transforming data into actionable insights and driving change.

Digital solutions help operators leverage data for regulatory compliance and business opportunities. These solutions can analyse historical and forecasted data alongside current conditions, automating data collection without burdening the crew. This real-time data enables quick responses to changing conditions and proactive problem-solving. However, it's essential for ship operators to understand how these analyses and recommendations are generated, especially to ensure safety levels are maintained. Although technology contributes to key performance indicators (KPIs), human experience remains irreplaceable in ship operation and management.

Step 3: Identifying clear goals for greater efficiency

Providing insights into factors like fuel consumption and emissions, embracing digitalisation is a practical decision for companies. In practice, tracking data allows companies to identify starting points and potential areas for improvement, leading to enhanced operational, financial, and environmental outcomes. With this improved information flow and automated reporting, unprecedented accuracy and visualisation enables the setting of goals for improving fuel management. At this point, clear KPIs are crucial for assessing return on investment, and communicating results.

Data on vessel positions, speed, and engine configurations allows understanding of underperforming vessels, facilitating goal-setting for improvement. Tailored insights can be delivered at individual ship or fleet levels, multiplying efficiency gains. However, new operating practices to meet KPIs require acceptance and understanding from crews and shoreside personnel. Contractual and safety issues should be considered in consultation with those involved in day-to-day tasks.

Step 4: Ensuring a collaborative process

Successful digitalisation requires organisational and cultural changes as much as technological advancement. The transition must encompass all levels, from boardrooms to vessel bridges. While technical challenges like data integration can be resolved, a shift in mindsets is crucial for effective implementation. Real dialogue and discussions about on-the-ground realities are vital for success.

User experience is paramount, requiring investment in software design to ensure users are comfortable with interfaces and understand their roles and goals. Projects often involve multiple stakeholders, including third-party providers, and data from various sources, requiring collaborative efforts for smooth integration.

Internal stakeholders, especially managers, play a crucial role in implementing a new digital mindset. While a project manager may coordinate with external providers, overall engagement from everyone in the company is essential. Securing buy-in and adoption from employees involves investing time and resources to engage them and convey the meaningful impact of digital solutions on their roles and responsibilities. At Opsealog, we believe that digitalisation is viewed as a continuous journey rather than a singular outcome.

Step 5: Managing ongoing change

Pilot testing new approaches is crucial for gaining valuable experience and building confidence in the broader implementation of digital solutions. Change management is a vital aspect of digitalisation projects, and operators may wish to limit changes initially to specific projects, regions, or vessel types. Some solutions may be tailored to certain operations or vessels with specific power systems, impacting the rollout strategy.

Following the initial project, an operator's digital ecosystem continues to grow, driven by confidence in fuel efficiency improvements. As regulations continue to change, and with ongoing expert consultation more opportunities for reducing fuel consumption will be revealed. As new low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels emerge, data collection and processing methods will need to adapt, ensuring robust measurements of consumption, emissions, and operational costs associated with adopting these new fuels.

Digitalisation is an ongoing process rather than a final destination. Establishing foundations for onboard reporting supports long-term organisational ambitions, but data processes must evolve to align with the changing landscape of the energy transition. Internal communication of successes ensures operational gains positively impact future tenders, while external communication to charterers, financiers, and insurance providers enhances strategic opportunities and creates lasting value for the operator.

Photo credit: Opsealog
Published: 27 November, 2023

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Digital platform

StormGeo markets Bunker Management module at Singapore event

‘Unlike many traditional systems that only focus on fuel procurement or basic monitoring, StormGeo integrates environmental data with predictive models to help operators make smarter, proactive decisions,’ spokeswoman tells Manifold Times.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 18, 2024

Admin

StormGeo markets Bunker Management module at Singapore event

StormGeo, the industry leader in weather intelligence and ship routing services, on 10 September introduced its new Bunker Management module at the DNV Technology Center in Singapore.

The bunker management solution, first launched in February, is designed to assist shipping companies, particularly operators and bunker buyers, in navigating the complex maritime regulatory environment by streamlining planning and procurement processes.

“StormGeo's bunker management solution stands out by combining real-time data, advanced AI, and comprehensive fuel performance analytics to give a full transparent overview of our clients bunker management,” Julie Nielsen, Global Head of Bunker Sales, told Manifold Times.

“Unlike many traditional systems that only focus on fuel procurement or basic monitoring, StormGeo integrates environmental data with predictive models to help operators make smarter, proactive decisions.

“This not only reduces fuel consumption but also minimizes emissions as well as cutting cost by making the right bunker planning as well as having the real market data by hand when ordering bunkers, which aligns with sustainability targets and regulatory requirements.”

According to Nielsen, the new Bunker Management module seamlessly integrates into StormGeo’s existing s-Insight platform, offering clients a unified system for fleet and voyage optimisation.

The module connects with the company’s current routing and performance systems, allowing clients to track fuel usage, predict optimal routes, and benchmark performance in real-time.

The holistic approach ensures more efficient operations, lower operational costs, and improved environmental compliance, making it a key differentiator in the market and a key tool to optimise the largest cost on the OPEX.

“Shipping firms should adopt StormGeo's Digital Bunker Management platform because it delivers a comprehensive approach to fuel management that drives the largest cost on their OPEX, as well as optimising cost and time, as well as compliance with environmental regulations,” she added.

“The platform provides real-time visibility into fuel consumption, planning, procurement, and emissions, enabling shipping companies to make informed decisions that optimise their operations.

“Further by having a one-stop-shop solution for all your software solutions, is key to transparency and avoiding too much complexity.

“StormGeo’s continuous innovation and commitment to sustainability make it an essential partner for companies looking to future-proof their operations in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.”

Photos from the event can be found below:

Photo credits: StormGeo
Published: 18 September 2024

Fuel Consumption

Fuelre4m: Difference between bunker fuel efficiency and efficiency of fuel

Rob Mortimer of Fuelre4m says instead of abandoning fossil-based bunker fuels prematurely in favour of less-proven technologies, the focus should be improving its efficiency with better measurements.

Published

4 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

Admin

Fuelre4m: Difference between bunker fuel efficiency and efficiency of fuel

Rob Mortimer, Managing Director of Dubai-based clean-fuel technology firm Fuelre4m, shared an article with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times detailing how the measurement of bunker fuel consumption can affect how true efficiency of fuel is measured:

My background is in telecoms, data, and radio communication, where everything from speed to capacity is logical, measurable, and provable. However, venturing into the world of combustion engines and renewable-based hybrid generator sets was an eye-opener. Unlike the precise measurements in telecoms, the shipping industry still measures fuel consumption in liters and gallons, ignoring the crucial fact that fuel is consumed in weight. This disparity affects how we measure the true efficiency of fuel.

In shipping, operators have advanced in measuring vessel performance with technology, yet they still overlook the efficiency of the fuel itself. The industry commonly uses Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) to measure fuel usage per unit of energy produced. SFOC is calculated as the mass of fuel consumed per hour divided by the engine’s power output during that period. While this metric has been used for decades, it doesn’t account for the varying quality of fuels.

For instance, a 1% variation in fuel quality, seemingly negligible, can have a significant impact when burning 600 metric tonnes (mt) of fuel per month. Over a year, this 1% difference equates to 72mt of fuel, which, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), translates to 226mt of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. The assumption that one metric tonne of fuel will always produce the same power, regardless of slight quality differences, is flawed.

The problem is rooted in using SFOC as an average reference for engine performance, not fuel performance. Engine manufacturers provide data based on ideal conditions with a specified fuel quality. These numbers are then normalized and used as averages for future calculations, overlooking the variations in fuel quality from bunker to bunker.

It’s akin to assuming that fuel from different gas stations is identical, when in reality, it can vary significantly due to factors like mixing, contamination, and aging.

The key issue with SFOC is that it doesn't account for the fact that different fuels, even of the same type, have varying energy densities. For example, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) has an energy density of 40-42 MJ/kg, while Methanol has only 21-23 MJ/kg. This variance can be as much as 5-6% within the same fuel type, leading to substantial differences in power output and fuel efficiency.

To accurately measure fuel efficiency, we need to consider the mass of fuel in relation to the power it produces. This requires precise measuring equipment, such as torque or shaft power meters. These devices don't directly measure torque but instead gauge minute changes in the propeller shaft as it twists with varying forces. By calibrating these meters to account for the quality of the fuel, we can more accurately assess the energy released and adjust power readings accordingly.

Power cards, another essential tool, allow engineers to evaluate the combustion process and measure cylinder power output. These measurements can then be used to fine-tune the torque meter readings, ensuring that they reflect the true efficiency of the fuel being used. This method moves us beyond relying solely on the engine’s power rating and towards a more scientific approach to evaluating fuel performance.

The recent drive towards alternative fuels, spurred by the global push to reduce fossil fuel consumption, has highlighted the need for a balanced approach. While alternatives like biofuels and LNG have their place, they often come with challenges and trade-offs. For example, biofuels have lower energy densities, requiring more fuel to produce the same power and potentially increasing emissions. Dual-fuel engines, designed to switch between traditional and alternative fuels, can be complex and problematic in operation.

The reality is that fossil fuels will remain a significant part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future. Rather than abandoning them prematurely in favor of less-proven technologies, the focus should be on optimizing the fuels we currently use. By improving the efficiency of fossil fuels through better measurement and treatment, we can achieve significant environmental benefits without the risks associated with untested alternatives.

Fuelre4m is at the forefront of this optimization effort with its Re4mx fuel reformulator technology. This technology conditions fossil fuels pre-combustion, enhancing atomization and energy release while reducing particulate matter and pollutants. Coupled with advanced measuring tools like mass flow meters, torque, and power meters, Fuelre4m offers a comprehensive system for improving fuel efficiency and reporting, helping ships achieve IMO emissions targets without incurring additional costs.

Photo credit: Fuelre4m
Published: 11 September, 2024

Decarbonisation

DNV report: Technological developments key to reducing maritime sector emissions

Report stressed that, until carbon-neutral fuels become viable, prioritizing development and use of technologies that reduce energy consumption is crucial for lowering shipping’s emissions.

Published

1 month ago

August 30, 2024

Admin

DNV report: Technological developments key to reducing maritime sector emissions

Reaching shipping’s 2030 decarbonization goal of 20% emission reductions, set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will not happen without significant energy savings, according to DNV's latest Maritime Forecast to 2050, released on Friday (30 August).

The report stressed that, until carbon-neutral fuels become viable, prioritizing the development and use of technologies that reduce energy consumption is crucial for lowering shipping’s emissions.

To reach IMO’s 2030 decarbonization goals shipping will need between 7 and 48 Mtoe of carbon-neutral fuels. However, with the global cross-sector production of carbon-neutral fuels expected to reach only between 44 and 63 Mtoe by 2030, it will be near impossible for shipping to secure its required share.

As regulations like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime start to impose costs on emissions, shipowners and managers must therefore explore every option to reduce fuel consumption.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, DNV Maritime CEO, said: "While we are currently witnessing a slowdown of decarbonization in shipping, we are entering an era of unprecedented technological exploration that will drive progress forward.”

“With carbon-neutral fuels in short supply, smart decision-making and strategic investments today are crucial to lay the foundations for future emissions reductions.”

“Prioritizing energy efficiency, leveraging technological solutions, and embracing digitalization are key steps towards reducing the extra cost burden and achieving our decarbonization goals."

The eighth edition of DNV’s Maritime Forecast to 2050 provides an updated outlook on regulations, drivers, technologies and fuels needed for maritime decarbonization, including four scenarios exploring conditions that could accelerate the adoption of specific fuels and technologies by 2050.

The report emphasised that regardless of which direction the industry’s decarbonization journey takes, it will come at a significant cost.

The four simulated scenarios project these cost increases per transport work; with estimates ranging from 69-75% for bulk carriers, 70-86% for tankers, and 91-112% for container vessels.

“Our latest analyses show that decarbonizing shipping could double the cost of transporting goods by containers”, said Eirik Ovrum, Principal Consultant and Lead Author of Maritime Forecast to 2050.

“Ultimately, the rising costs of seaborne transport will need to be passed down the value chain and the market is already seeing trends towards shifting these costs to end-users. To remain competitive, shipowners must develop and execute strategic fleet management plans."

According to the report, reducing energy losses is the most straightforward way for the global fleet to cut emissions. Operational and technical energy efficiency measures can reduce fuel consumption by between 4 and 16% by 2030.

Reducing energy consumption by 16% for the world fleet would save 40 Mt of fuel and 120 MtCO2 emissions, which would be equivalent to operating the 55,000 smallest ships or the 2,500 largest ships with carbon-neutral fuel.

Furthermore, the report highlighted onboard carbon capture (OCC) as potentially the most effective way to decarbonize as it enables the continued use of conventional fuels and technologies. However, CO2 handling infrastructure needs significant development. Solutions like shore power and batteries which can reduce reliance on costly carbon-neutral fuels are also highlighted. For instance, shore power can cut the 7% of total energy consumption that ships use in ports by replacing onboard fossil fuel-generated electricity.

Finally, the report emphasised the increasingly important role digitalization plays in complementing operational and technical energy efficiency measures. Digital verification tools are also crucial for establishing an infrastructure of trust, fostering industry-wide collaboration, and facilitating new contractual arrangements, incentivising energy savings.

“Our new report outlines how digitalization can shed light on vessel performance, providing vital data which shows the impact of energy saving measures. Data-driven decision making can then be used to design the next-generation of energy efficient ships which are key to the sector’s long-term success”, said Ovrum.

Note: The full copy of DNV’s latest 8th edition of Maritime Forecast to 2050 report can be downloaded here.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 30 August, 2024