If you can measure then you can optimize
Hull & Propeller Fouling Analysis
A typical problem facing most Shipping Companies nowadays is the estimation of the Hull and Propeller fouling (HP Fouling). HP Fouling is the increase of the vessel’s hull and propeller resistance due to hull roughness, shape changes, and most commonly due to the settlement and growth of marine plants and microorganisms. It can lead to diminished vessel performance as well as additional costs and time losses due to hull cleaning.
Although HP fouling cannot be directly measured by any sensor and it is feasible to have indications about it through the calculation of the slip. These indications are not reliable evidence of HP fouling levels and cannot lead to valuable conclusions regarding antifouling actions selection and the right time to take those actions. Also, these indications cannot be used during a dispute between the management company and the charterer.
METIS implements all the algorithms and data processes that are needed to estimate the HP Fouling based on ISO19030. Nevertheless, the scope of METIS is not just to provide that estimation but to provide the correlation between the HP Fouling, the speed of the vessel and the Fuel Oil Consumption, supporting the decision–making process of the top management. To succeed in that, METIS combines the ISO1930 algorithms and Machine learning technics.
Estimated Fuel Oil Consumption based on ML Model
METIS runs all the analysis for hull fouling in real-time estimating all the resistances and the power losses. The results of the analysis are presented either in dashboards or as messages in chatbot and reports.
To calculate the effect of hull and propulsion power on the fuel oil consumption, METIS is using an ML model that is continuously retrained using the parameters of shaft power, fuel oil calorific values, ambient temperature and seawater temperature. The model can predict the consumption with accuracy higher than 97%.
METIS runs all the analysis for hull fouling in real-time estimating all the resistances and the power losses. The results of the analysis are presented either in dashboards or as messages in chatbot and reports.
Using the Machine Learning Model for fuel oil consumption, the power loss due to the increasing of the Hull and propeller resistance can be converted into fuel oil losses.
Propulsion Power and Propulsion Power without the Hull and Propeller Fouling
Fuel oil Consumption against the Estimated Consumption without the Hull and Propeller Fouling
The parameters that are required for the calculations of the HP Fouling and its effects on speed and consumption are listed in the table below:
Parameter | Sources |
Speed Over Ground | GPS |
Speed Through Water | Speed Log |
Shaft Mechanical Power |
|
Shaft Rotational Speed |
|
Heading | Gyro Compass |
True Course Over Ground | GPS |
Rudder Angle | Rudder Indicator |
Draft Mean | Draft Gauges |
Trim | Draft Gauges |
Parameter | Sources |
Wind True Speed |
|
Wind True Angle |
|
Wave Height | Weather Provider |
Wave Direction | Weather Provider |
Swell Height | Weather Provider |
Swell Direction | Weather Provider |
Water Depth | Echo Sounder |
M/E Fuel Oil Consumption | Flow Meter |