The use of data analytics has the potential to revolutionise hull performance, with a number of new products available to capitalise on this market
The quest to find economies from the use of data and performance monitoring takes many shapes. Although most of the concentration has been on the performance of propulsion systems, this technology has far more potential.
One example of this can be seen in the launch this year of coatings manufacturer Hempel’s new Systems for Hull and Propeller Efficiency (SHAPE). Based on the ISO 19030 framework, SHAPE combines elements of hull and propeller efficiency optimisation, delivering expert advice and solutions to every ship operator.
The transparent and thorough process of SHAPE is designed to maximise the quality of performance analysis and to offer expert advice for maximising hull efficiency and return on investment.
Fouling and mechanical damage to the hull can increase the engine power a vessel needs by up to 20%. By utilising SHAPE in combination with hull coatings, Hempel believes it is able to provide documented fuel savings and a programme of continuous improvement. Users of SHAPE are able to analyse the impact on performance of hull and propeller solutions and drydockings, as well as in-service hull and propeller maintenance, allowing for data-driven decision making.
Group segment manager for marine, dry dock, Andreas Glud said: "Hull performance remains a crucial element in understanding fuel performance. At Hempel we started focusing on fuel performance over a decade ago when we launched the first fuel savings guarantees in the industry. Our new Hempel SHAPE system allows us to gather high-quality data, provide expert analysis, deliver decisive advice and world-class hull coatings irrespective of the type, age, size and operating patterns of a vessel – making ship operators more efficient and competitive. We are presenting our customers with something beyond performance monitoring. We are offering fuel efficiency intelligence."
SHAPE is based on the new standard in performance monitoring, the ISO 19030, which was published a year ago. The ISO 19030 methodology describes how to measure changes in ship-specific hull and propeller performance, and defines a set of relevant performance indicators for hull and propeller maintenance, and repair activities.
Specifically designed on the principles defined by ISO 19030, SHAPE can monitor the long-term trends via in-service key performance indicators (KPIs) but also short-term trends through the maintenance-trigger KPI. Only 15% of the world's fleet can currently meet the strict requirements of ISO 19030 part 2, but Hempel's SHAPE offers a more flexible solution bringing transparent performance monitoring and analysis.
SHAPE includes a tailored hull performance programme with a dedicated Hempel performance analyst, as well as expert data interpretation and advice from Hempel's team of chemists, physicists and hydrodynamicists.
Key performance indicators for the system are based on speed-loss measurements to track performance gains over time. Monitored and guaranteed speed loss – directly related to fuel savings – is also applicable for hull coatings specified for up to 60-month drydocking intervals. In addition, transparent cost-effective performance monitoring following the ISO 19030 methodology is available.
AkzoNobel also sees a huge opportunity in applying big data to antifouling coating selection and maintenance. Due to the huge number of factors involved, using data tools can help owners select the right coatings and then monitor and manage the performance of the coatings selected.
AkzoNobel first launched its Intertrac Vision system in 2015. This is a predictive tool designed to help ship operators assess the return on investment resulting from a particular coating specification.
The iPad-based system processes individual vessel data and operational parameters that specially trained IP personnel enter during a free consultation. Multiple proprietary algorithms and models are then used to provide an accurate assessment of the impact of each potential fouling control coating choice over a ship’s specified in-service period. Outputs include a vessel’s powering requirement, fuel consumption, fuel cost, CO2 emission predictions and a full cost-benefit analysis comparing different coating options and surface preparation options.
In May 2017 at Nor Shipping, the company launched Digital Voyage, a suite of digital tools that included Intertrac Perform, a tool that measures and monitors hull-performance data, and validates these against the predictions made by Intertrac Vision using metrics that comply with the ISO 19030 standard on hull- and propeller-performance monitoring.
Part of Digital Voyage, Intertrac Vision Lite has been developed to showcase key features of the full Intertrac Vision tool. Users can input data covering a sample selection of vessel types, fouling routes and generic hull-coating choices to create different coatings scenarios, and then compare variations in the effect on power requirements, fuel costs, and CO2 emissions. It also includes tips and commentary to explain the methodology that underpins Intertrac Vision, which includes the full range of parameters, and can be used to make comprehensive economic and environmental decisions.
The latest addition to this Intertrac range is Intertrac Perform. Currently being trialled, this software measures and monitors hull-performance data and validates it against predictions made by Intertrac Vision. By analysing power and speed profiles in accordance with the ISO 19030 standard, users can identify whether coatings are performing as they should, and whether extra maintenance or service may be necessary. This means the company can now offer a complete solution for predicting, monitoring and analysing coating performance.
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