"Revolutionary" Bunker-Saving System Reduces Fuel Consumption by up to 18%

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday January 6, 2015

U.S. company Gen-tech Global LLC (Gentech) has developed technology enabling small ships to cut bunker consumption by 15 to 18 percent, a fishing industry commentator reports.

"This is definitely revolutionary," said Erling Skaar, the company's Icelandic President, adding "we have interest worldwide."

The system harnesses a boat's main engine, typically used only for propulsion, to supply power for other functions meaning auxiliary generators are not needed.

During testing the system enabled Skaar's vessel M/V North American to achieve a diesel saving of three-and-a-half to four gallons per hour.

The system represents the culmination of 10 years' work by Skaar and is said to utilise software developed by NASA.

"If you're running all year, it can pay for itself in three years," said Philip Peter, engineer for the North American.

According to the report, early adopters of the system do not only come from the fishing industry, with a Norwegian oil company having also reportedly installed the technology.

Thomas Franck of the Finnish Shipowners' Association recently said that Emissions Control Area (ECA) rule changes, which came into force on January 1, should incentivise shipowners to prioritise fuel saving vessel optimisations.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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