Upgraded DEGO IV Delivers Enhanced Fuel Savings, Says ABB

ABB's upgraded DEGO IV is being used onboard the Stena Scotia. Image Credit: ABB

ABB today announced that its DEGO IV advanced speed governor and actuation system, which is being used onboard the Stena Line freight ferry Stena Scotia, has been enhanced to deliver further fuel savings.

ABB explains that the new version of DEGO IV uses data to model a control strategy to minimise ship roll, adjusting to changing sea or ship conditions by simulating the next two roll periods to optimise roll damping against fuel consumption on a predictive basis.

First installations of the upgraded DEGO system indicate a potential fuel saving in the range of 5-7 percent, with roll reduction between 20-40 percent, and rudder reduction of 15-60 percent, depending on ship type, sea conditions, and the type of autopilot used.

"The latest generation of our DEGO system is an excellent example of the way our integrated solutions help to optimise the energy efficiency of ships, ranging from newbuildings to vessels with years in service such as Stena Scotia," said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB's Marine and Ports Business.

"In a society that demands shipping becomes more sustainable, and rules and regulations on green shipping are becoming more stringent, we as ABB put great effort into helping our customers meet their needs."

The twin-propeller Stena Scotia is deployed on daily RoRo services between Rotterdam and Killingholme, UK.

"For us it is important to minimise the daily fuel consumption and related emissions. ABB guaranteed us a minimal saving potential of 3 percent when utilising the latest generation of the DEGO system," said Dick van der Ent, Energy Efficiency Manager at Stena Line.