Fuel-eFFiCienCY Guide
This guide provides an overview of eight areas where cost
reductions or improvements to efficiency can be made
HigHer prices
fuel tHe need for greater efficiency
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With rising fuel costs some fishing boat
operators are now paying 60 per cent more
for their fuel than they were 4 years ago.
However, there are ways to improve
fuel efficiency
By Youna Angevin-Castro
The rising cost of fuel, diesel in particular, has had a
major impact on the profitability of fisheries in recent
years.
According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and
Resource Economics (ABARE) operators are now paying
nearly 60 per cent more for their fuel, compared with
prices from July 2004.
The ABARE analysis of the impact of increases in diesel
fuel costs on five major Australian fisheries indicated that
rises in the average fuel price from 2006-07 to July 2008
could lead to increases in annual fuel costs of $16,735 per
boat for the Gillnet Hook and Trap Sector of the Southern
and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF), and
$179,199 per boat for the Northern Prawn Fishery. Annual
boat fuel costs were estimated to rise by $97,276 for the
Torres Strait Prawn Fishery, $47,162 for the Eastern Tuna
and Billfish Fishery, and $85,331 for the Commonwealth
Trawl Sector of the SESSF – estimates that assume no
change in fishing behaviour or other fishing costs.
to reduce costs to businesses, including studies into
alternative fuels for fishing vessels.
David Sterling, co-author of the FRDC-commissioned
Fishing Energy Efficiency Review, published in 2006,
says one of the most valuable actions that fishing
operators can take is to perform a self-assessment of
their operations, and strive to improve their efficiencies
according to their own circumstances.
Resource management tools, such as the EcoBiz program
developed for Queensland operators by the Queensland
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are accessible.
By undertaking an assessment and implementing some
of the simple tips outlined here and in the fuel-efficiency
research, owners will make savings, David Sterling says.
The EcoBiz program guides operators through the process
of assessing fuel use, which is then used as the starting
point for achieving eco-efficiency improvements through
developing a detailed action plan.
The analysis suggests that business profits are being
“There are many things that fishers can do to improve
eroded by increases in fuel costs, and highlights the need their profitability, and self-assessment tools such as
for operators to look to adopting fuel-efficient practices. EcoBiz offer individuals the opportunity to benchmark
their activities and develop creative solutions for their
Over the years a number of research and development
enterprise that address the bigger picture,” he says.
activities have been commissioned to investigate ways
LIFT OUT
1
Optimising gear and
fishing methods
TiP: Make sure you match your gear to the job. The
biggest contributors to trawl drag are the netting itself
and the trawl doors.
Correctly matching gear and methods to the conditions and
requirements of the vessels is fundamental to achieving fuel
efficiencies.
Options for optimising gear and fishing methods include:
l for
trawlers, undertake an examination of how much of
the overall towing resistance of the gear is due to the
different individual components, such as trawl doors and
netting. Modifications to existing gear resulting from this
examination can decrease fuel consumption substantially,
considering that 70 to 80 per cent of fuel is used in towing the fishing gear;
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l seining,
in both ‘flydragging’ and anchor modes, requires less power compared with trawling and therefore burns less fuel;
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l in
more specific fisheries, such as single-species fisheries, there may be scope for investigating alternative fishing methods;
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l lower
twine diameters, in combination with alternative mesh technology, can introduce significant savings for towed gear;
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l twin/multiple
trawl rigs can have less drag than single rigs with comparable ground coverage;
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l trawl
fishing is known to expend more fuel per kilogram of fish than some alternate methods such as long lines, traps or pots. Nets create increased drag effects and reduce the fuel efficiency of the system;
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l high
strength netting may lead to a rise in productivity for each litre of fuel consumed. These twines have a higher breaking strength than steel wire of the same thickness, but have only a fraction of the weight;
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l the
use of new otter board technology, which is designed to spread nets with less drag, can reduce towing resistance and improve fuel efficiency; and
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l consider
alternate fishing methods – fishery managers may be able to provide some options.
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2
economic
benchmarking
TiP: You can look at your vessel’s performance compared
with others and consider whether this fits your expectations,
given what you know about how your vessel is run.
Benchmarking is a way to compare the financial performance
of a vessel to the ‘best-in-class’. It compares operational
processes, financial performance and other measures of
the efficiency of a vessel’s activities. Skippers can compare
results against other vessels in the same segment or against
their own vessel’s previous performance.
The benchmarking report helps establish which areas of
the running of the vessel could improve overall financial
performance. It does not tell owners what to do to make
improvements, but it shows them in which areas to apply
their efforts.
David Sterling says the single most important step in
achieving energy efficiencies is for fishing operators to
understand their current position, as well as the processes
necessary for improving their circumstances.
3
Vessel optimisation
and propulsion
TiP: Propulsion systems should be checked – most vessels’
propellers are only 30 per cent efficient. Fitting a nozzle
can result in dramatic improvements.
Another significant factor affecting fuel efficiency is vessel
design and the correct matching of the propulsion system
(engine/gearbox/propeller) for the task at hand:
the ratio of a vessel’s length to beam can have an effect on
l
fuel efficiency – ratios of 3:1 and 4:1 can be beneficial;
using the correct engine for the vessel is imperative; and
l
assess the gearbox – as well as heat loss, friction increases
l
running costs.
4
Vessel and hull
maintenance
TiP: A dirty hull is like driving a car with the handbrake
on. Poorly finished paintwork can have a similar effect.
An often-overlooked area of potential fuel savings is vessel
and hull maintenance. Little financial outlay is required but the
benefits can be worth it over time. Consider the following:
l excess
paint can add to vessel drag – a 20-metre displacement hull can carry the equivalent of up to 5 tonnes of paint; l paint
roughness on the hull can increase friction. Likewise,
excessive weed and barnacles allowed to grow on the
hull can cause friction to increase by up to 50 per cent,
resulting in increased fuel use;
l the
correct type of antifouling paint is important – some
antifouling paint contains solvents that actually feed
marine growth. Consider using solvent-free (ceramictype) paint;
appendages outside the hull, such as old
l redundant
probes, all add to the fuel bill; and
l some
operators may consider retrofitting their vessel
with newer, more efficient hull forms. However, operators
should consider the impact on other areas of the
vessel’s operation, such as safety, manoeuvrability and
performance.
5
Operational husbandry and
auxiliary engines
TiP: Fuel flow meters can help skippers save about
10 per cent on the fuel bill: if you can’t measure it,
you can’t save it.
Good ‘housekeeping’ onboard a vessel and a mindfulness of
operational fuel-saving practices, such as using a fuel flow
meter, should not be underestimated:
steaming speed should be considered. Engines are
l
usually at their most efficient at 80 per cent revs – burn
Fuel-eFFiCienCY Guide
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70 per cent of fuel and achieve 90 per cent of the speed compared to full throttle; l keeping
a true course can save fuel – it may seem obvious, but planning the shortest journey to take account of tide, weather and wind can make a difference;
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l keep
the fish hold closed at all times; good insulation is contaminated fuel. These products remove the water and
also important for saving fuel; and
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prevent damage to the engine, improving efficiency; and
l hydraulics
should be switched off or declutched when not l be aware of the increased safety risk if using LPG. Using
in use.
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LPG can save up to 20 per cent on a fuel bill, but not many
low-horsepower engines are available.
engine maintenance,
The FRDC-commissioned Fishing Energy Efficiency Review
undertook
an extensive assessment of fuel options for
monitoring and design
the fishing industry. Co-author Laurie Goldsworthy says a
TiP: Poor combustion chamber sealing can lead to high
number of fuels were investigated as potential alternatives to
fuel consumption. Regular engine maintenance is crucial conventional diesel fuel as part of the review.
to reducing fuel consumption:
“We’ve investigated a number of alternative fuels, including
l monitoring
air intake is important and could save up to
the use of biofuels (such as biodiesels and ethanol), LPG,
20 per cent on the fuel bill. A hard-to-open door/hatch
hydrogen and natural gas,” he says. “However, some of the
could indicate a vacuum in the engine room;
alternatives have issues regarding operator and vessel safety
l return
fuel lines should be checked. In some engines,
and have meant that the number of economically attractive
90 per cent of the fuel delivered by the pump is returned
options for fishing vessel operators are reduced.”
to the tank via the return fuel line;
Liquified natural gas (LNG) is being investigated as a
l fuel
injectors should also be monitored. Spray pattern is
potential replacement fuel that could provide savings to the
critical for engine efficiency, fuel economy and exhaust
fishing industry. Diesel engines can be operated in duel-fuel
emissions;
mode using natural gas, but the cost of storing LNG on board
the vessel can be an issue.
l exhaust
smoke should be checked. Black exhaust smoke
could mean an overloaded engine, shortage of air or faulty
injectors. White exhaust smoke could mean injectors
new vessel design
or valve timing is out, or that leaking valves, damaged
and new builds
or worn piston rings are causing low compression. Blue
TiP: Hydrodynamic bow designs reduce resistance
exhaust smoke could signal burning lube oil, due to worn
through the water.
valve guides or a worn or broken piston;
Modern design trends of high beam-to-length ratios, bluff bows
l operators
should ensure that their engine is serviced
and wide and deep mid-body sections have led to inefficient
regularly to ensure efficient fuel consumption; and
hydrodynamics. As a consequence fuel efficiency suffers.
l new
electronically controlled diesel engine designs are
more fuel efficient, but they are more expensive to install Ideas for design that could increase efficiency include:
so an assessment of the potential savings should be
l
using a fixed nozzle in your propulsion system – up to
undertaken prior to installation to gauge their value for
22 per cent fuel saving is possible with 7.5 per cent
money.
increased thrust; and
l
catamaran design – a 2:1 length-beam ratio is possible
Fuel and
without detriment to fuel efficiency, dependent on hull
form (when compared with mono-hulls).
lubrication
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8
7
TiP: if you have bacterial growth in your fuel this can
lead to blocked fuel lines and poorly performing
injectors. A biocide can remove any bacteria and clean up
your tank and lines.
There are many fuel options available to skippers, including
emerging fuel types, fuel additives and fuel mixes – many
promise great savings, but detailed and independent
information can be hard to come by. Consider the following:
is generally a more expensive fuel made
l biodiesel
from plant oil that will run in diesel engines with no
modification. In some cases it may be possible to make
your own fuel using recycled oil to make a saving;
your oil at the recommended intervals;
l change
products are available for vessels that
l water-removal
receive poor-quality fuel containing water, or have
PHOTO: BRAD COLLIS
Things to avoid
Key points Although operators may be tempted to spend
l understanding
where energy is expended in
money on fuel-saving devices, such as fuel
a fishing vessel is the first step to addressing
catalysts and hydrogen electrolyzers, laurie
fuel efficiency.
Goldsworthy warns against such products. “There l The
second step is to identify what aspects can
is very little evidence to support the suggestion
be influenced by the vessel operator (skipper),
that these products provide any significant
the vessel designer/builder or the engineer.
improvement in fuel efficiencies, so operators are
l Both
operational and technical measures can
advised to save their money,” he says.
help with fuel efficiency.
OPeRATiOnAl
1 ensure fishing gear is correctly matched and
rigged for the vessel, conditions and target
fishery.
2 Reduce engine speed – the easiest and least
expensive action a skipper can take to save
fuel, particularly while steaming.
3 Good ‘housekeeping’ – maintain engine and
hull efficiency through regular maintenance.
PHOTO: BRAD COLLIS
TeCHniCAl
1 ensure the propulsion package is best
suited to the vessel and operation – correct
selection of engine, gearbox and propeller.
2 use alternative fuel and related technologies.
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3 Consider fuel efficiency when designing new
vessel builds – hydrodynamics and beam
ratios are important.
4 Consider drag-reduction technology such as
skin coatings and navel stabilisers.
Thanks to Tom Rossiter and Seafish for permission to use their information in this guide.
MOre InFOrMaTIOn: Fishing Energy Efficiency Review is available at www.frdc.com.au/commercial/energy.php; Seafood Information network, www.sin.org; David Sterling, 07 3300 1105, [email protected]; Lawrie Goldsworthy, 03 6335 4774, [email protected]; Tom rossiter, Seafish, [email protected]
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