Increasing operational efficiency of high speed RO-RO vessels via new hull coating technologies

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review results of new hull coating technologies for high speed RO-RO vessels and analyze the potentials to decrease fuel consumption as well as speed loss. In maritime economics, the fuel consumption of ships accounts for the important part of operational expenses and it is straight forward that every ship owner would aim to run their fleet as optimum as possible in terms of fuel efficiency. IMO has developed the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) that provides information concerning the efficiency of the ships in operation where fuel consumption is the main criteria for the calculation. The reduction of fuel consumption through decreased frictional resistance of hull is one of the most well-known method in maritime industry to increase operational efficiency of ships. Ship operators are generally making their decisions according to real-life experiences. It is clear that literature needs further studies regarding hull performances with the real-life data even if there will be higher uncertainties compared to laboratory test results. In this study, actual field data of 8 high speed RO-RO vessels has been studied according to the new standard ISO 19030-Ships and marine technology, Measurement of the changes in hull and propeller performance. Results indicate the importance of full blasting for hull performance and a significant fuel savings through decreased speed loss via new technology foul release silicone coatings. © 2017 Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy. All rights reserved.