AWT Launches New Fuel-Efficiency Software

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday September 10, 2014

U.S.-based software firm Applied Weather Technology Inc. (AWT) has introduced a new product, known as SmartSpeed that can optimise route and speed for each segment of a voyage with daily updates, the company said in an emailed statement.

AWT routes 50,000 ship voyages per year, giving it access to millions of records showing vessels' speeds and fuel consumption in different types of weather.

"We have the unique ability to calculate a vessel's consumption and the effects of weather," AWT said. "This has been the goal of ship routing for years, but only today, with access to massive computing power, is this made possible."

SmartSpeed can combine the goal of reducing fuel consumption with other voyage requirements, including required time of arrival and cargo safety, when setting routes.

By considering ocean currents, wind, waves, hire rates, and bunker fuel costs, as well as Emissions Control Areas (ECAs), the software keeps costs down.

"Heavy weather can occur in any ocean region, for example, high waves can develop across the Australian Bight, off South Africa or during seasonal monsoonal surges off China," AWT said.

"In these instances, it could be best to make speed adjustments during portions of a voyage to avoid weather situations that can lead to excessive steaming time and extra fuel consumption.

"AWT SmartSpeed is instrumental for identifying the available options to make the best decision."

AWT launched an "ECA-aware" voyage calculator earlier this year.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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