Samsung and Hanjin to research ship efficiency

As IMO tightens environmental regulations, the two companies are hoping to address efficiency concerns by applying a Vessel Portal Service (VPS) system to a 4,600 teu container ship which will be built by SHI for Hanjin Shipping.

The VPS combines functions of a navigations route optimisation system, a trim optimisation system and an EEOI monitoring and analysis system.

Seung-Myeon Hwangbo, executive vice president, Samsung Heavy Industries,said: “We are now able to improve the completeness of our solution for system configuration through joint research with Hanjin Shipping, and verify the long term effects of actually applying the system to vessels.”

By monitoring the navigation route, trim, engines, motor power and emissions of a vessel, the companies hope to minimise fuel consumption by up to 15%.

Incorporating green technology and advanced navigation will enable the real time monitoring of automation devises installed on ships, using a satellite data communications system. It will also enable the detection of faults and necessary responses.

The container ship is due for completion by May 2013 and the full scale test of the VPS system is expected to be carried out by the end of 2016.