Work

Combined engine configuration and speed optimization for fuel savings on cruise ships

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the maritime industry, optimizing energy systems for cruise ships is critical for enhancing fuel efficiency and advancing sustainability. This study presents a novel approach with a combination of optimization of engine configuration and speed of the cruise ship, that integrates empirical data and computational modeling techniques. A methodology aimed at minimizing fuel consumption while maintaining operational efficiency is developed using dynamic programming and meta-heuristic algorithms. The presented approach leverages the NAPA Voyage Optimization APIs to model various ship systems accurately. It uses an innovative algorithm for determining optimal speed profiles, taking into account environmental conditions and passenger-induced power requirements. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve fuel savings of up to 3.3% with conventional engines and 2.7% with next-generation engines. Furthermore, optimizing engine size contributes an additional 0.5% reduction in fuel consumption, underscoring the potential for significant environmental impact mitigation in line with international maritime sustainability efforts.

Source: Ocean Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.120387