Ferry operators are using new technologies to make their operations more sustainable and profitable
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in Spring/Summer 2018 issue of the International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
What is your technology adoption strategy, and how does it differ when it comes to newbuilds and retrofitting older vessels?
Paul Melles, director of Rederij Doeksen: Our ferry services operate between Harlingen, Terschelling and Vlieland in the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage area that is protected by stringent emissions regulations. We expect the Dutch government to introduce stricter requirements in future, so when we were developing our new 600-passenger ro-pax ferries with the help of BMT Nigel Gee and Vripack, we opted for lightweight catamarans powered by single-fuel LNG engines from MTU. LNG engines are more expensive than traditional diesel options, but if they perform well in our newbuilds, we’ll consider retrofitting them to our existing fast ferries when they are due for refurbishment. We’ll also look at compressed natural gas fuel.
Chet Pastrana, chairman of Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation: We want our Fastcat ferries to comply with international safety standards and feature all the onboard operational and navigational equipment required by International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and our flag state. We work with Interferry to keep track of the latest technologies for improving operational and safety efficiency, and travel onboard similar vessels in other countries to observe best practices and benchmark our operations. When designing our newest ferries, we discussed how to improve bridge and engine room operations with our officers and asked our customers about passenger accommodation and deck area enhancements. Then we collaborated with the designer, shipbuilder, classification society and suppliers of the engines, propulsion plants, paint, navigation equipment and materials to create two more energy-efficient versions of our existing ferries. The 10 vessels that will be delivered in late 2018 and early 2019 will feature new bow thrusters for docking and manoeuvring. All newbuilds have the latest versions of onboard equipment and machinery.
What are the most important technologies onboard your ferries, and why have you installed them?
Melles: Rederij Doeksen’s priority is to provide a daily ferry service that passengers can rely on and to do that, we need a dependable propulsion platform. Other operators have faced problems when combining LNG engines with an electrical propulsion platform, so our newbuilds will be the first to have a direct mechanical propulsion plant with a fixed-pitch propeller driven by LNG engines. It’s never been done before, but MTU’s new gas engines made it possible. Direct mechanical propulsion is the most efficient way to propel a vessel because you don’t lose any energy, unlike in electric propulsion systems where electrical energy must be converted to mechanical energy before it can be used. Our ferries will also be the first in the marine industry to use Orcan units to convert waste heat and exhaust gases into electric energy. This energy will be stored in batteries during transit so it can power the bow thruster when the ferries are manoeuvring in port. Not only is it an innovative use of the Orcan units, but it will also cut the volume of greenhouse and hazardous emissions we expel into the atmosphere.
Pastrana: We’ve collaborated with propulsion manufacturer Nakashima to redesign the propellers on our ferries and we’re expecting this to improve operating speeds and fuel efficiency, which will result in better engine performance and cut maintenance requirements. The bow thrusters on our 10 newbuilds will make them handle and expedite docking/undocking processes, allowing us to reduce turnaround times for customers. The company is also in the process of rolling out Microsoft Dynamics AX-based enterprise management system, which will digitise our accounting, purchasing, finance, inventory, human resources and asset management systems. Eventually, we’ll integrate our ticketing and retail system too.
What technologies are you exploring or implementing to help you address key environmental sustainability challenges, and why?
Melles: We want our LNG newbuilds to consume as little energy as possible, so we’re using LED lighting throughout, solar panels on the top deck to harness energy for powering hotel services, and specially insulated windows to keep heat in during winter and out during the summer. The ferries will also be equipped with a programmable heating system so that we can circulate very low heat during the night, rather than actively heating them. Meanwhile, their lightweight slender aluminium hulls will help them to glide efficiently through the Wadden Sea’s shallow waters.
Pastrana: Our engines are built to Tier II standards according to IACS standards, and we’re continuously coordinating with engine manufacturer Yanmar to ensure our vessels comply with environmentally acceptable standards. We’re also using green paints from Jotun and have installed garbage disposal systems for customers. I recently attended the Passenger Vessel Association’s event in Savannah, Georgia and, following this, we are looking at Tier III engines, a new generation of generators that have their own operating management system and vessel stabilisers that will improve passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
How is the technology you’ve implemented on your ferries empowering your employees to work more efficiently and improving the customer experience?
Melles: LNG-powered engines eliminate the need for fuel filters, require fewer oil changes and produce less oil, dirt and black exhaust smoke than their diesel counterparts, so our crew will spend less time cleaning the engine room and carrying out engine maintenance on our new ferries. This will enable them to use their time more efficiently, while reducing total maintenance costs over time. In addition, gas engines produce significantly fewer vibrations and much less noise than diesel engines, while our contra-rotating, high-efficiency Azimuth thrusters will distribute the total power over nine propeller blades to give a smoother ride. This means the ferry journey will be quieter, more comfortable and enjoyable for passengers.
Pastrana: To help our crew members, ground staff, office personnel and management teams work more efficiently, we’ve collaborated with Canada-based software company Marine Learning Systems to develop an online ‘I Learn Fast Cat’ training programme. Customised to reflect our operations and the technologies and systems onboard our ferries, the mandatory programme helps our employees improve skills and competencies throughout their employment. Employees receive learning objectives and assessments and we use this as a basis for performance management and promotions. Meanwhile, our new IT infrastructure will improve the online booking and ticketing systems for our customers.