By Jan De Kat, Technical Director, Operational and Environmental Performance, ABS
ABS is adding value to shipping operations by leveraging data to provide analysis and insight that improves performance and supports environmental efficiency, writes Jan de Kat, Technical Director, Operational and Environmental Performance, Global Marine, ABS
‘Smart Shipping’ is a concept based on data, connectivity and data analytics and today there is arguably more data available covering a much broader range of shipping information. This data is collected and transmitted to shore, but the key is how to translate data first into information, and then to knowledge that leads to action. This requires databases, analysis and algorithms. It requires cultural changes, new skill sets, and it can have cost implications. Client feedback has consistently indicated a mismatch between the desire to improve data quality from the ship and the availability of a single platform that can be used to analyse and deliver information for decision support. Many owners and operators are collecting data but not all have the tools needed to analyse it or make informed decisions. Vessel performance, environmental compliance and energy efficiency, are areas where data management is critical for both regulatory reporting – such as the European Union’s CO2 Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) programme – and performance optimisation.
ABS has for some time focused on these areas to offer practical solutions which simplify operations and can also add value for operators. Classification societies have traditionally been the holders of vast amounts of data and are working increasingly closely with the industry to help support the transition to smart shipping.
A New Solution for Data Management
ABS is helping meet the industry’s needs for optimised operations with its new Vessel Performance service with data monitoring and collection which provide the raw material to drive research and development on fuel efficiencies. By leveraging increased data capture, analysis and reporting supported by ABS Nautical Systems’ Voyage Performance software, ABS has taken a significant step in managing data into standard reports whose results can be acted upon without delay.
The ABS Vessel Performance service is a flexible system which enables operators to capture and analyse vessel performance data from multiple sources including hull and propeller, main engine and base loads to generate data for operational benchmarking.
By enabling consolidation of sensor and other input data from the noon report, ABS can transform thousands of data points into meaningful KPIs. Data can include ship data such as speed, power and fuel consumption, voyage information, weather conditions, fuel switching and waste water handling, making it suitable for internal reporting and preparation of data for statutory verification.
By combining dedicated service delivery with a robust software platform, the Vessel Performance service simplifies data entry, enabling the ship to report performance and environmental data only once to operations and technical management staff.
The routines applied and data collected in the course of energy efficiency analysis can be leveraged for compliance with EU MRV. ABS participation at IMO meetings ensures that the Vessel Performance service will also be compatible with IMO’s emerging plans for CO2 emissions monitoring. In future, the system will be further developed to manage other regulatory requirements that involve data collection onboard ship.
By meeting several critical requirements within one system, the Vessel Performance service puts ABS in a strong position to help owners meet their environmental obligations and by extension potentially improve their bottom line.
A multidisciplinary team
The ABS Vessel Performance team is multi-disciplinary, with extensive experience in ship hydrodynamics, numerical modelling, model testing, full scale measurements, design, ship management and operations and regulatory compliance.
Leveraging extensive experience and knowledge enables ABS to provide detailed and in-depth recommendations supported by advanced tools to help owners and operators meet their operational and regulatory needs. The Vessel Performance team works with clients to analyse hydrodynamic characteristics of hull structures, performance of main engine and ancillary equipment and the impact of optimisation techniques on fuel consumption and overall vessel performance.
By undertaking detailed modelling of vessel components including the main power consumers and machinery systems ABS can assist owners in identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved. Clients are able to use the output to undertake operational benchmarking across their fleets, identify performers in need of improvement and where best practices can be implemented to improve operational efficiency on all vessels.
Ship Efficiency Review News
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