Nudge trial reduces emissions

The pilot saw software company Signol deliver personalised carbon-saving targets to 30 masters and chief engineers across 23 BSMD-managed vessels. Via milestones and achievements on its app and emails, participants were nudged towards fuel-efficient behaviours.

The results are profound for the maritime industry, proving that behaviour change alone can lead to a material reduction in ships’ energy demand and carbon emissions, whilst lowering operational costs.

“The partnership with BSM Deutschland has shown the significant potential of Signol’s software solution in shipping,” said Harriet Johnson, head of maritime at Signol.

“At this critical time for the maritime industry, these results are evidence that decarbonisation need not be capital-intensive and slow-moving.”

Results showed a saving of 13,900 tonnes of CO2 over the four-month trial, equivalent to a US$3.16 million saving for BSM’s customers and their charterers.

Bunker fuel consumption was significantly reduced, with a 12% saving of 4,000 tonnes across participating ships over the course of the trial. Consumption of marine diesel for auxiliary engines also fell by 122 tonnes.

The method and results calculated by Signol were independently reviewed by UMAS, which concluded that ‘…the results suggest a clear association of variation in DFOC (Delta Fuel Oil Consumption) values with the nudging of captains’ and that ‘…the main conclusions that nudging can have a significant effect on DFOC and AEU appear reasonable.’