In October 2013, Marine Design Dynamics, Inc. (MDD) began working with the Staten Island Ferry to monitor and assess fuel consumption in the Molinari Class Boats with the goal of ultimately reducing energy consumption and expenses though crew training and incentives, the utilization of a speed optimization tool, and real time monitoring.
To begin, MDD partnered with ultiVisor to set up fuel meters and monitoring aboard the Guy V. Molinari in order to gather data to establish a baseline average from which to work, taking into consideration variants in fuel consumption including wind, current, temperature, load/unload time, etc. Upon analyzing this baseline, MDD was able to target dockside fuel consumption and transit speed as two variables for optimization.
Next, MDD implemented a trial training program with a Captain of the Molinari in order to assess the value of optimizing speed based on given conditions per trip in order to effectively minimize fuel consumption. The trial achieved a 23% reduction in propulsion fuel use per round trip through behavioral changes alone.
Currently, MDD has proposed a training program to implement the identified daily fuel savings, which would include two days of training/observation for crew members on methods for running most efficiently, coupled with a weekly report of fuel efficiency of each captain, including a fuel efficiency rank. Furthermore, observations of operations during training indicate a simple tool can be developed to assist Molinari Class operators in maintaining speed efficiency. This operations efficiency tool would provide real-time guidance on the most efficient operating profile in order to keep the ferry on schedule, as well as a real-time display of actual fuel consumption in comparison to the target.
In testing, MDD achieved a 50-gallon fuel reduction per roundtrip. The Molinari Class made 467 roundtrip transits in December 2013. Following the proposed plan for energy conservation, MDD hopes to reduce fuel consumption by 280,000 gallons per year. MDD looks forward to continued work with the Staten Island Ferry to reduce energy usage and improve efficiency.
Image via www.siferry.com
View other Marine Design Dynamics projects:
Carnival Cruise Lines Energy Conservation
USS Mount Whitney Assured Power Modifications
Staten Island Ferry Molinari Class Energy Conservation
MSC Engineering Services (USNS COMFORT)
Remote Water Purification System
FOB Energy and Water Conservation System
USMC Forward Operating Bases (FOB)
Multi-Mission Combat Craft
The Mobile Ocean System (MOS) Testing
Maelstrom Water Jet Pump Testing
High Volatility Fuel Module (HVF Module)
Heavy Unrep Program Management
6-PAQ MSE Support
Mobile Offshore Ship (MOS)
MSC Shipboard Energy Conservation
RO Module Phase II SBIR
T-Craft