Tide Data Saves $9,400 of Bunker Costs in One Journey

Specialist tidal data firm Tidetech has shown that by using optimal tide and currents, a vessel transiting through the English Channel could save $9,400 of bunker costs in one journey.

When combined with slow steaming, the savings jump to $25,000.

In simulations of an 8000 TEU container ship steaming at 21kts through the English Channel, the company showed the passage time difference between a ‘best case’ of optimal tide and current, and the ‘worst case’, varied 12.8 percent.

That, it says, is the approximate fuel saving equivalent of $9,400 of bunkers in just one journey.

The same simulation shows that the best case transit time of the same 8000 TEU container at slow steaming speeds of 19 kts is 32 minutes faster than the worst case 21 kts transit time.

The company says that would save approximately 35.8 tonnes of bunkers, or approximately $25,000.

The 'best case' savings come from timing a vessel’s arrival at the entrance to the English Channel so the ship can make the most efficient passage through the Channel by going with the optimal flow of water.

Tidetech managing director, Penny Haire, said the influence of tide and current on a vessel's journey was an obvious challenge to address, but hasn't been possible until now as appropriate information has just not been available.

“Our accurate, high-resolution global tidal data can be integrated into bridge systems allowing ships to make use of advantageous current, steam at more efficient speeds and minimise fuel used and time spent in transit,” said Ms Haire.

Unlike optimal weather routing, optimisation from tidal stream data is of benefit for coastal shipping with a limited or restricted choice of routes, such as channel transits or where there are controlled shipping lanes.

The efficiencies are made from timing when a journey should be made relative to the tides and optimising speed to maximise the positive effects of the current.