In a significant advancement for the maritime industry, researchers have developed a new framework to assess the degradation of ship hulls and propellers caused by biofouling. This study, led by Nikos Themelis from the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, sheds light on an issue that has long plagued vessel efficiency and operational costs.
Biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms on ship surfaces, can dramatically increase fuel consumption and emissions. Given that fuel costs can account for up to 70% of a ship’s operational expenses, the implications of this research could be game-changing. The study highlights that even a minor reduction in fuel efficiency—just 1%—can save shipping companies hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Themelis and his team utilized machine learning algorithms to analyze data from a bulk carrier over a two-and-a-half-year period, establishing a robust model to predict power requirements under various operational conditions. They defined a key performance indicator (KPI) that compares expected and actual power usage, allowing for a clear assessment of how biofouling impacts vessel performance. “When applied to a dataset reflecting advanced stages of biofouling, our model predicted an average power increase of 11.3% if the vessel were clean,” Themelis explained.
One of the standout features of this research is its dual approach. The first model serves as a baseline for a clean vessel, while the second incorporates a temporal element that simulates different points in time since the last cleaning, revealing that a fouled vessel could require an average power increase of 20.5%. This kind of insight is invaluable for ship operators aiming to optimize maintenance schedules and manage fuel costs more effectively.
The commercial impacts of this study are substantial. By providing shipping companies with a clearer understanding of how biofouling affects their operations, the framework can help them make informed decisions about when to undertake hull and propeller cleaning. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The findings are published in ‘Applied Sciences,’ a journal that focuses on the practical applications of scientific research. The study underscores the importance of integrating data-driven models into maritime operations, offering a pathway to improved maintenance strategies that can lead to significant cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
As the maritime industry continues to grapple with the challenges of sustainability and operational efficiency, this research presents a timely opportunity for ship owners and operators to embrace innovative solutions that can drive performance and profitability.
