Wärtsilä and IMarEST teams
Dubai, UAE – Getting an accurate insight into a vessel’s hull fouling condition from energy consumption data is vital for maintaining vessel performance to economically feasible standards. The real-time analysis of “big data” per factors such as weather, water depth and speed, is a technological innovation as it can provide new ways of thinking about issues and identifying improvement opportunities. It enables the end-users to optimize their assets and improve predictability. Eniram, Wärtsilä’s recently acquired marine technology company, discussed these advanced systems utilizing data and intelligent digital solutions at an IMarEST UAE Branch meeting in Dubai which was held last Thursday the 16th of February
Nikeel Idnani, Honorary Secretary of the IMarEST UAE who led the technical meeting, highlighted that diverse operational data is commonly collected onboard ships and sent ashore to the office, at best with only superficial analysis. Only in cases of obvious inconsistencies is action initiated, often too late as remedial measures. He brought to light the contemporary approach of leveraging on accurate ‘Big Data’ has gained immense significance in the maritime industry. This improved data exchange enables taking appropriate actions for fuel-saving & environmentally responsible ship operation.
Neil McDonald, Head of Cargo Sales at Wärtsilä presenting his paper: @Hull Fouling – ISO 19030, a major factor in Ship Operations & Performance Management’.
The condition of a ship’s underwater hull surface has a substantial impact on its energy efficiency. Nikeel pointed out that approximately 10% of the world fleet’s fuel consumption can be attributed to poor hull and propeller performance. This translates to $30 billion in additional fuel cost and 0.3% of all man-made carbon emissions annually. Yet, ship performance losses due to hull and propeller fouling have been difficult to quantify since ship performance parameters vary according to numerous factors such as draft, trim, rudder activity, wind, waves, currents and water depth.
Neil McDonald, Head of Cargo Sales at Wärtsilä presented ‘Hull Fouling – ISO 19030, a major factor in Ship Operations & Performance Management’. He brought the audience up to date with digitalization that is now moving beyond the connectivity and data gathering focus of the current industrial internet applications, towards a comprehensive digitalized approach to optimizing operations, creating new opportunities for growth and a new level of equipment performance and operational efficiency. On its part, Wärtsilä provides the maritime industry with energy management technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Their solutions range from single onboard applications to comprehensive fleet analysis. They are used by ships ranging from cruise liners, tankers, LNG carriers, container ships, bulkers and ferries.
Jacque Powell (IMarEST Chairman) hands over token of appreciation to Neil McDonald
An Eniram study looked at data collected over 38,000 sea days on cruise vessels traversing different seas to analyze the energy efficiency losses caused by hull fouling and to identify ways of mitigating these inefficiencies and alleviating maintenance costs. Eniram compared data across different legs and considered the impact of hull cleaning and dry docking over the same period. Benchmarks for fouling were derived to help ship owners and operators to estimate the impact of operating in different areas. Depending on the coating applied to a vessel, the financial impact of operating in areas with a high risk of developing fouling can be up to $500,000 a year for a single cruise vessel. The study also shows that using the data collected by Eniram, it is possible to verify the effects of in-water cleanings and dry docks, as well as to detect potential problems with brushing/cleaning or anti-fouling. Operators and owners can benefit from the fouling data by using it to help optimize treatment strategies, plan routes, itineraries and schedules accordingly
Interactive discussions
120 ship owners/managers, executives from shipyards, engineering firms, oil & gas exploration and services companies, suppliers/service companies, marine consultants, independent surveyors, classification societies managers, inspectors from regional Flag administrations & Port officials from the Middle East were privy to an exceptional interactive discussion.
The evening culminated in cheerful conversations within a convivial ambiance at the Ramada Jumeirah hotel, with the clink of ice in the glass and the delicious amber liquid flowing over it.
