Reducing operating costs by saving energy is a concept
That has moved from discussion to action in shipping.The debate has been fueled by pending emission regulations and options that may be an alternative to the use of high cost low sulfur distillates when operating in the emission control areas or in restricted ports. This quest for energy effi ciency has gone beyond “ECO” main engine performance, slow steaming or variable frequencies of motor and pump operations to reduce electrical load.
Shipping is now diving deeper into efficiency details with the use of LED lighting, computerized modeling of hull optimization and further introductions of sophisticated hull coatings to assist those new optimized hulls through the water without burning fuel. Moving from sail, to steam and finally to internal combustion engine, shipping is now following the lead of the automotive industry and talking Hybrid marine power.
Read more: http://magazines.marinelink.com/magazines/MaritimeProfessional/201403/pdf/download