Trim optimiser cuts fuel by 4%
Optimum trim system
Mitsui OSK Lines has announced results from trials on a car carrier of its optimum trim system for ships, jointly developed with Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen).
Acording to Mitsui OSK Lines, the pilot test of the system, using a 6,400-unit car carrier, showed an increase of up to 4% in fuel efficiency compared to a conventionally equipped vessel, which in turn contributes to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
The optimum trim system was developed through a quantitative assessment of MOL captains’ practical knowledge of vessel running attitudes through tank testing and actual ship test. This data is translated into graphs that make it easy for seafarers to use the system. Tank testing by Akishima Laboratories showed that appropriate trim adjustments can significantly reduce wave drag, and these results were confirmed in practical tests using the car carrier.
The optimum trim system is one of the technologies MOL is promoting in its Sempaku ISHIN project to develop concepts for its next-generation vessels. The company says that it will adopt the optimum trim system on additional types of ships to help cut CO2 emissions on a fleet-wide basis.
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