In 2012, MDD began an open-ended project with Carnival Cruise Lines to help reduce energy usage, fuel consumption and emissions on their ships. Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise operator in the world and has taken a proactive approach to energy conservation and emissions reduction.
MDD is providing critical programmatic support for implementing Carnival’s energy conservation initiatives. Combining our expertise in shipboard energy conservation, marine engineering and program management, MDD personnel have assisted in the implementation of several energy saving projects through equipment ordering, written specifications for repairs, and management of equipment installation. Some of these energy conservation projects include; installation of variable frequency drives, changes to onboard lighting, improvement/replacement of HVAC systems and improvement to water circulation systems.
Additionally, MDD has supported Carnival in validating savings from installed initiatives. MDD engineers sailed with the Carnival Miracle as it cruised from Seattle to Alaska and back in order to track the energy usage and calculate future savings on previously installed variable frequency drives (VFD) for engine room fans. MDD instituted a detailed analysis, test and verification program for the system. Throughout the seven-day voyage, MDD engineers carefully measured energy usage during different types of operations including high speed, low speed and in port, with and without the use of the new variable frequency drives. Data collection and analysis established that the use of the automatic mode with VFD controlling yielded a savings per trip of over 24,000 kW-hr. The study has provided valuable data for evaluating similar initiatives on other ships.
MDD is excited to be able to support Carnival on these ongoing projects and also to perform further work in the areas of data collection and operational monitoring aboard their ships.
