Ship-Type Comparisons and Benchmarking
Starting with in-depth analysis of main dimensions and trial-trip data, our staff of naval architects has compiled the world's largest repository of processed service performance data. The benefit of this accrues to our customers through ship-type comparisons (correlation studies) for vessels in our program and CO2 indexing. This database includes: model test data, the builders' trial data, dedicated sea trials, before-and-after service performance data for drydockings, underwater husbandry, hull coating systems (and their performance-over-time). This repository includes different hull forms for all types: oil tankers, gas tankers, bulkers, containerships, general cargo and ro-ro's.
Detecting Errors in Monitoring Systems and Auto-logging Systems
Autologging is a wonderful idea and should be fully utilized, however, the limitation of any auto-logging system is that out-of-calibration instruments can result in gradual false trends. For example, anomalies in performance data can be caused by bad weather, hull condition, propeller damage or out-of-calibration fuel meter and/or torsiometer. It is worthwhile for the shipowner to know if a recorded speed drop of as little as 0.2 knots is a cause for concern or a calibration error. Our parametric analysis enables detection of faulty data collection versus bad weather versus poor hull condition versus damaged propeller versus out-of-calibration instruments. This allows for full utilization of investments made in onboard equipment. In summary, data filtering and data reduction methods can give false conclusions and in the CASPER service, there is no need for data filtration.
Crew Involvement and Collection of Performance Data
The CASPER proprietary performance data collection procedure empower the crew to make accurate and meaningful measurements and bring a heightened awareness of all bridge and engine room conditions. Improvement in vessel performance come not only from our recommendations but also from heightened crew awareness. Performance data collection procedures are validated for accuracy as a part of our normal processing of data and feedback to the vessels.
Validation of Trial Trip Data
PDI provides a commercially available Sea Trial Analysis with no up front costs. In this graphical analysis we correlate the raw trial trip data points with adjusted speed / power curves for defined loading conditions. Helpful for establishing true baseline vessel performance, especially on sister ships whose performance is not identical. (Contact us for samples of work on real ships).
Hull and Propeller Performance Monitoring
Hull+Propeller Performance Monitoring is the ultimate in service performance analysis. Using our proprietary "added resistance over time" diagrams, we plot the changes in ship resistance over time. This provides exact *figures for changes in ship resistance (and its impact on speed/power) before and after drydocking, and before and after hull and / or propeller cleanings. The before-and-after effects of propeller polishing techniques and new hull cleaning technologies are easily quantified with our services.
* Note that speed loss is the 3rd root of added resistance, therefore, speed loss measurements as calculated from monitoring systems are difficult to interpret in hull and propeller condition assessments. Drydock AnalysisOur services include review of husbandry reports (propeller polishing, hull cleaning) and docking reports. These reports usually include photos of the hull and propeller (before and after) and are utilized by PDI to enhance our database of correlating added resistance (hull and propeller performance losses) to actual visual conditions.
Propulsion Efficiency ModificationsOwing to higher fuel prices and emissions reductions programs, many shipowners are considering the installation of wake ducts, propeller boss fin caps, rudder bulbs, propeller cap turbines and thrust fins. These modifications can improve fuel efficiency by a few percent. The challenge is that most shipowners make these changes while in drydock concurrent with other fuel efficiency activities, such as propeller polishing, hull blasting and new hull coatings, thus distinguishing the efficiency solely from the installation of the wake ducts or PBFC is very difficult. Contact us for more information.
Charter Negotiations
Many of our customers rely on our "Actual Obtainable Speed / Consumption Diagrams" as decision support in attaining highest charter rates based on known hull and propeller condition and defined weather allowances. Our customers also use our analysis for slow steaming and super slow steaming metrics (precise speed and fuel oil consumption).
Data Integration
In 2009, at the request of customers, PDI commenced data transfer functions in order to integrate CASPER data into planned maintenance, voyage planning and commercial (charter) negotiations. In addition, we are able to acquire data from weather routing or other performance monitoring systems for use in our services. In this way, our services adapt to either autologged data or crew data collection protocols.
Recommendations:
Performance monitoring by itself, only provides more data. Furthermore, it require some data reduction methods or data filtering which is subject to interpretation by whomever is looking at the data. PDI goes above and beyond by full interpretation of service performance data. From benchmarking over 1,000 ship-years experience in this type of work, the CASPER Service Program provides our customers with precise calculations and recommendations to optimize hull and propeller performance of the vessel in all the above technical areas
CASPER is 50 years of Naval Architecture, Shipmanagement and Computer Science in a turn-key service program.
