Ship energy efficiency

Tailoring energy efficiency measures to vessel specific needs 

The effect of each energy efficiency measure varies depending upon a range of factors such as vessel type, size, age, location, and route. Every shipowner should think carefully about what the best solutions are for their fleet and, just as importantly, which represent the best business case. 

Energy efficiency measures can be categorized as follows: 

• Operational: Measures that relate to the way in which the vessel is maintained and operated, and how the cargo is handled. Examples: Route optimization, speed reduction 
• Propulsion and hull: Measures that improve the hydrodynamical performance of the vessel. Examples: Hull form optimization, propellor measures 
• Machinery: Measures that relate to the machinery onboard the vessel, including main engines, auxiliary engines, and related systems. Examples: Variable frequency drives, Waste Heat Recovery 
• Energy consumers: Improvement in energy efficiency of onboard consumers such as lighting equipment and cargo handling systems. Examples: Auxiliary system optimization, optimization of cargo handling systems 
• Energy harvesting: Measures that capture energy from the surroundings, converting it to propulsion power or electricity. Examples: Wind-assisted propulsion systems, solar panels 

Ship owners should prioritize measures based on cost efficiency and other aspects such as technical maturity, complexity, safety and reliability, lack of experience, and crew training needs.  

Finding the optimal combination of measures and technologies can enable shipowners not only to meet short- and mid-term regulatory requirements but also to gain a competitive edge for profitable operations well into the 2030s and 2040s.