How an autopilot device can lower CII ratings

CO2 emissions per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile are measured and assessed using the Carbon Intensity Indicator. From 2024 onwards, cargo, cruise and ropax ships must calculate their CII value based on reported fuel oil consumption data from the previous year. 

CII scores can be improved either by an increase of distance travelled, an increase of the vessel’s capacity, or by reducing annual fuel consumption – and the latter is what the Anschütz’s autopilot is targeting.

Since speed, rudder movements, weather conditions and a ship’s characteristics all affect steering performance, NautoPilot was developed with specific fuel-saving ventures including algorithms for highly precise steering where needed.

Other features include a heading and rudder plot for an instant overview of steering performance and simplifying adjustment of autopilot settings for minimal rudder activity.

A course control mode helps to steer the ship on a course over ground line and automatically compensates for drift deviations. An economy mode reduces rudder activity and the toe angle function reduces fuel usage for vessels with dual rudders by optimising steering characteristics via offsetting the rudders from each other.
Following successful sea trials, the product is being rolled out and will be installed aboard other roro cargo vessels. 

Riviera’s two-day Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2023 returns to Amsterdam on 26-27 September 2023, seeking to bring clarity to regulatory directions and decarbonisation pathways for both newbuilds and existing vessels