Bunker-Saving Kongsberg Refit to Help VLCC "GoGreen"

Kongsberg says it has refit a 21 year-old VLCC Main Engine with the fuel-saving the AutoChief 600.

Kongsberg Maritime Inc (Kongsberg) says it has completed the refit of a Very Large Crude Carrier's (VLCC's) 21 year-old Main Engine with a bunker-saving Remote Control System, the AutoChief 600, during the vessel's scheduled docking.

"As the most advanced Main Engine, Remote Control System available today, AutoChief 600 introduces significant opportunities to optimise engine efficiency and reduce the vessel's environmental footprint, including a unique 'Go Green' module," explained Kongsberg.

"This advanced new system Integrates the AutoChief 600 with the vessel energy management system and navigation system enabling it to automatically regulate the Main Engine according to best practice and to optimise fuel consumption."

Kongsberg says the AutoChief 600 manages all controls, safety, and alarms required for main engine operation, as well as all other accessories for propulsion control.

Meanwhile, when the new "GoGreen" function is activated, the system automatically determines optimal RPM for the Main Engine Governor, ensuring all engine and navigation safety parameters are fulfilled based on calculations derived from ship and engine characteristics, as well as predicted weather.

Presenting an alternative to the "GoGreen" module, Kongsberg says AutoChief 600's Constant Power Mode ensures main engine power output stays constant to ensure reduced fuel consumption.

The system is noted to be currently available for MAN B&W MC-C, ME-C and ME-B engines.

Earlier this month, Ship & Bunker reported that KONGSBERG had announced that its software and maritime simulation technology division, Kongsberg Digital, had signed contracts with Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology, Kalmar Maritime Academy, and Linnaeus University, which will see the development of a simulator model of a hybrid LNG-powered cruise ferry, including vessel bunkering and operations.