Understanding ship operating profiles with an aim to improve energy efficient ship operations

On 1st January 2013 the IMO introduced Maritime Energy Efficiency Regulations in order to benchmark the energy efficiency of new ship designs and to create a framework for the management of energy efficient ship operations for all new and existing ships. It is necessary that energy efficiency improvements� for� design� and� operational� performance� reflect� an� understanding� of� the� ship’s� operational profile, rather than its design condition alone. A ship design is typically carried out by optimising the hull form for a limited range of operating conditions, acknowledging that in recent years there have been significant advancements in the application of ship design optimisation processes, particularly with increasing computing capabilities. However, a vessel only operates in its design conditions a small proportion of the time. This paper presents an analysis of operating profiles for different ship types and identifies key trends of the operating profiles over recent years. This analysis considers; the proportion of time spent in ballast or laden, in port, manoeuvring or sailing; operational speed ranges, mean draft ranges. The analysis has been undertaken using reports� commonly� known� as� ‘noon’� and� ‘port’� reports that are predominantly completed by seafarers using a variety of observation methods.