Reducing Carbon Footprint of Ships in Voyage Planning: A Case Study of Atlantic Passage

Abstract

Determining the most efficient ship routes is crucial for ensuring both safety and fuel savings during voyage planning. Great circle Navigation (GC) and weather routing (WR) are the two most common methods used by navigators for ocean crossings. GC Navigation is renowned for its potential to save time and fuel by following shorter routes over long distances; however, it may expose vessels to adverse weather conditions and sea states due to navigating at higher latitudes. On the other hand, weather routing integrates pilot charts and meteorological data to identify safer routes, albeit potentially longer, minimizing risks associated with rough weather. This study focuses on route planning for a handy-sized tanker contracting a westbound Atlantic ocean voyage within a specific timeframe. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of these two methods. The GC route components were computed using spherical trigonometry equations, while weather routing planning relied on pilot charts and meteorological data. Environmental conditions were simulated and tested in the Transas Full Mission Simulator (NTPRO 4000). The results reveal that the WR method provides 21.3% higher energy efficiency than GC. The insights derived from this research contribute significantly to enhancing the operational efficiency and safety standards of commercial vessels.