Tanker operator Ardmore Shipping Corporation has agreed a deal to implement the FuelOpt propulsion optimisation technology system from Swedish company Lean Marine on all vessels in its fleet, following an initial installation onboard the MR tanker Ardmore Sealion in 2020.
FuelOpt is used to automate propulsion control, replacing the need for constant monitoring and manual adjustments. The bridge crew is provided with information on vessel speed, fuel consumption and engine power, allowing automated adjustments to be made to avoid potential overconsumption of fuel in harsh conditions such as high swells and winds.
The system can be activated by the bridge crew with the push of a single button from the panel on the bridge once the command on engine power, fuel consumption, speed or a combination thereof is set.
Upon activation, the system 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 variations in speed and output that may be caused by human operational factors.
The fleet-wide roll-out of the technology will take place over the course of 2021.
“Lean Marine has great experience with enhancing vessel efficiency and has been supporting us in identifying key achievable means for further saving fuel and reducing emissions on the already efficient and modern Ardmore Sealion,” said Mark Cameron, Executive Vice President and COO at Ardmore Shipping.
“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. Ardmore Shipping’s energy transition is underway and our collaboration with Lean Marine will play an important role in the delivery of Ardmore’s Energy Transition Plan.”
