After an assessment of energy saving solutions, the Energy Technologies Institute believes the UK fleet could achieve a 30% reduction in fuel costs by using innovative technologies.
The institute argues that reducing fuel consumption, rather than using non-fossil fuels, is the most feasible way of targeting CO2 reduction between now and 2050. Last year it launched tenders for demonstrators of Flettner rotors, waste heat recovery and high-efficiency propulsion systems, and has now released a report outlining its assessment of technologies made before the tenders.
To determine the technologies with the most potential for reducing fuel consumption, the institute modelled their use across five vessel types representing around 74% of the UK fleet – tankers, bulk carriers, container feeder ships, ro-pax and offshore supply vessels. Combinations of these technologies (see table) produced projected fuel consumption savings of between 40% for tankers and 13% for OSVs.
Source: Energy Technologies Institute
Note: Error or uncertainty is ±5% reduction in fuel consumption per nautical mile
DFHP = Dual-fuel high pressure engine; MBDR = Microbubble drag reduction; ORC = Organic Rankine cycle waste heat recovery
TG = Turbo generator waste heat recovery; HEPS = High-efficiency propulsion system (large area propeller, Mewis duct and surface coating;
FR = Flettner rotor; WS = Wing sails
The institute noted that many of the technologies are affordable (although calculated at slightly higher oil prices than at present), but require further development and demonstrations to spur market uptake.
“A 30% fleet fuel consumption reduction can be achieved using innovative technologies with an economic payback period of around two years at a fuel price of US$720/tonne,” the report states. “For the opportunity to materialise, fuel-saving technology demonstration is needed to give confidence to stakeholders and overcome market barriers.”
The full report can be downloaded here.
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Source: ETI
