APL multi-tasks CASPER

Practical research being undertaken by the container operator APL, a member of the Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), is being aided by the Propulsion Dynamics CASPER (Computerized Analysis of Ship PERformance) programme.

Propulsion Dynamics Inc based in Long Beach, California.

One containership operating out of Port of Oakland, California, and three vessels sailing from the Port of Singapore have been enrolled in CASPER hull performance monitoring service over an extended period of voyages. Throughout the voyage the ship?s performance data is regularly transmitted to Propulsion Dynamics office where the CASPER programme produces precise calculations for speed, fuel consumption, and hull resistance (in relation to the sea trial conditions) without the need for added software or equipment.

The three APL containerships sailing from Singapore are Agate, Almandine, and Cairo, ranging in size from 35,000 to 65,000 dwt operating on Trans-Pacific voyages. Each vessel is being assessed for changes in speed, fuel consumption, and resistance, due to different hull coating systems and hull modifications.

Hull performance monitoring on the APL Cairo, a 37,000 dwt containership is being undertaken with a view to extending the drydocking interval beyond five years. To gain acceptance for this, evidence will need to be presented to the flag state and the class society. CASPER reports are enabling APL to gather real time evidence of the effects of longer drydock intervals.

The original bow of the APL Almandine was damaged and subsequently repaired. On this vessel, CASPER is being used to determine the difference between ?prior to the damage? and ?post bow renewal? hull performances.

Evaluating a new hull coating system is the objective of the reports being made by CASPER on the APL Agate. The coating is a non-silicon paint, which has resulted in a surface that is rough with peaks and troughs on the paint surface which the coating manufacturer claims results in reduced frictional resistance between the hull and the seawater. By monitoring changes in hull resistance, CASPER will provide 3rd party analysis to confirm the hull coating manufacturer?s statement.

The US based APL President Jackson, a 4,500 TEU containership, has been in the CASPER programme the longest and is being used in a more traditional way, to analyse hull performance in determining optimal hull cleaning and a propeller polishing frequency schedule.