Analysis of controlling and reducing bunker cost in shipping transportation

• Main Authors: Tang, Xingyan, Shen, Nan, Yang, Cen
• Other Authors: Chew Ah Seng, David
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies::Maritime management and business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16154
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study aims to establish a systematic and integrated method to reduce bunker cost from technical and practical aspect. This integrated method is summarised hereinafter. Firstly, for fuel type, Marine Gas Oil is suggested to be used, since MGO has low viscosity, low levels of impurities, and hence low pollution risk to the environment. Secondly, vessel design comprises three aspects. For the engine type, Marine Diesel Engine with Co-generator is proposed, because of the normal efficiency as well as the low investment required. For hull design, there are seven practical improvements, namely, optimum main dimensions, ballast reduction, lightweight construction, design of foreship and aftship, shaft line arrangement, skeg shape and trailing edge and hull opening. For the fuel saving devices, four new technologies are introduced that are proved to be efficient and cost-effective. They are interceptor trim planes, ducktail waterline extension, costa-bulb and twisted rudder. Thirdly, the proposed options for improving operations onboard of the vessel includes running the ship at a cost-effective speed, using weather routing system, carrying out onboard maintenance, and focusing on human’s behavior and awareness. Lastly, two new technologies: ACS Technology and SkySails are introduced. ACS is to largely reduce the friction between water and hull. SkySail consists of an automated towing kite propulsion, which utilize the wind energy to sail the ship. Each action separately will have little effect, but if they are well integrated they can foster an international transition of shipping towards more sustainable means of shipping transport. Further and constant academic research is always required by the maritime industry. With the ever-progressing technologies, our effort to reduce bunker cost should never stop. This integrated method ought to be updated on a continuous basis.