Ardmore Shipping will invest in propulsion optimisation technology across its fleet of tankers to improve ship efficiency
It has selected Lean Marine’s FuelOpt to automate propulsion control on tankers to cut the need for constant monitoring and manual adjustments by crew, following a successful trial on medium-range product tanker Ardmore Sealion in 2020.
Lean Marine will install its FuelOpt bridge devices on Ardmore’s tankers over the course of 2021. FuelOpt automates control of vessel speed, fuel consumption and engine power. Lean Marine said this avoids potential overconsumption of fuel in harsh conditions such as high swells and winds.
In addition, Lean Marine and Ardmore will also collaborate to enhance the overall performance of the Ardmore fleet and help these vessels achieve more sustainable ship operations. “Through this close collaboration, we will continue to exploit the potential of the FuelOpt system and explore the integration of other vessel systems to maximise the overall operational efficiency of our fleet,” said Ardmore executive vice president and chief operating officer Mark Cameron.
“Our energy transition is underway and our collaboration with Lean Marine will play an important role in delivering the energy transition plan.”
Ardmore head of energy transition technologies Garry Noonan explained further how the investment decision was made. “We are confident we can achieve great results by working together with Lean Marine,” said Mr Noonan.
“When working to increase the vessel efficiency of Ardmore Sealion, we achieved significant results in a very short time, as we were able to take vital actions such as controlling the vessel’s fuel consumption using the FuelOpt system. “We look forward to greener operations across our fleet once the systems are installed in 2021,” said Mr Noonan.
Upon activation, FuelOpt dynamically controls vessel propulsion based on the set commands, matching the vessel’s propulsion power to the changing environmental conditions. This stabilises the shaft power required, removing costly variations in speed and output caused by human operational factors.
Lean Marine said FuelOpt ensures maximum power optimisation, minimum fuel consumption and reduced emissions in real-time.
“We are looking forward to working with Ardmore not only to achieve substantial fuel savings but also to unlock further potential for greener operations through integration with other systems on board the fleet,” said Lean Marine chief executive Mikael Laurin.
Ardmore’s decision to kit out its fleet comes a week before other shipping companies explain their vessel optimisation strategies during a key week of webinars on that subject matter.
Shipping companies, such as Neste, Dorian LPG, P&O Maritime Logistics and PSA Marine will explain their investments in energy optimisation, voyage planning and internet of things during Riviera Maritime Media’s Vessel Optimisation Webinar Week, 24-27 May.
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