Posted By: Herr DieselMeister
Posted On: Jan 9, 2008
Views: 4156
| Fuel Costs
Not much can be done regarding the rising price of fuel except polishing
up in the form of "energy management". Smart operators can take many
measures to improve the operating efficiency of their fleets. Some
areas include hull coatings, better voyage planning, operational
management at sea (course, speed, rudder), well planned change over
calculations when entering SECA areas, real time fuel monitoring, bunker
quantity surveys to offset shortages, upgrades to on board equipment
such as separators, sludge handling systems, development of tighter fuel
purchasing specifications, upgrades to engines/controls, regimented
training/seminars for senior officers and last but not least "careful,
well thought out plans for fleet renewals and modernization". DNV (Det
Norske Veritas) has made excellent strides with it's Energy Management,
Ship Start and Total Fuel Management programs. It's often wise to have
a second set of eyes look over newbuild plans starting at the conceptual
stage. Much the same as getting a second opinion from a doctor.
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