For many years we saw the operating speeds of ships, especially container ships go up and up with speeds of 26 kts not uncommon. Dropping the speed to a slower speed has become an attractive option: as journey times double, ships presently laid up will be needed. For time sensitive cargoes there is a premium express service. Will this mean two tier ship classes in the future?
Over many years we saw the operating speeds of ships, especially container ships go up and up with speeds of 26 kts not uncommon.
As the global financial situation deteriorated and cost cutting became inevitable, running at slower speeds. Dropping the speed from the 25-26 kt design speed to the slower speed of 12-14 kts or even lower has become an attractive option.
The fuel cost savings are obvious and with journey times doubling, this will help to bring back into service some of the ships presently laid up. For time sensitive cargoes a two tier service can be offered with the express service attracting a substantial premium.
We touched on this theme in an earlier blog, that of closely matching the propulsion system to the usage profile because the down side is of course that the whole propulsion system, engine and propeller will not be operating under its most efficient conditions so other losses will increase.
Fortunately the more modern ‘E engines” with full computer control can automatically adjust the engine parameters of injection and turbocharger operation to compensate for the lower operating speed. Many engine manufacturers offer a back fit kit to help the older engines.
As orders for new ships starts up again will the engine powers specified retain the ability for the ship to provide the 26 kt “express service” or the 14 kts standard service? Or will we see two different ship classes evolving?