Carnival Corporation & plc wants to build and maintain more efficient cruise ships. And it’s willing to tap into some sci-fi methods to make that happen. Drones, robots, and air bubbles will all play a role in helping make the cruise line save money on fuel.
In a recent press release, Carnival announced a plan to reach greater fuel efficiency and reduce cruise ship drag.
“We’re not just tinkering here – we’re looking at every available area for improvement for how our cruise ships operate,” chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation, Lars Ljoen stated.
“By combining state-of-the-art hull designs, advanced propulsion technology and years of experience, we’re continuously enhancing our ships’ performance.”
Cruise lines spend a lot of money on fuel. In fact, Cruise Market Watch estimates that almost 8% of a cruise ship’s operating cost is on fuel. So, if they can reduce fuel costs while making their ships more efficient, it’s a win-win.
How Carnival is Attempting to Increase Efficiency
Drones and Robots
In addition to using computer models to create more efficient hull designs, Carnival is testing out the use of underwater drones and robots to inspect the condition of the hull.
The drones are equipped with cameras and check for things like barnacles and chipped paint. Robots are being tested to clean the ship below the water and clear any extra debris or coatings that can build up on the outside of a ship.
All of these things contribute to reducing drag, and with such a large surface area under the water, even small amounts of dirt on the hull can create the need for more thrust, and hence, more fuel.
The advantage of using a robot to clean the hull is that it can efficiently map out an area and get to work without hiring divers or using expensive equipment.
Carnival also points out that these robots can work quickly, aiming for “full hull cleaning during a single port visit and efficient cleaning without damaging protective hull coatings.”
Computer Software
Software is being used to run hundreds of simulations with various hull designs to find the most efficient form and shape.
Additionally, software is used to adjust the internal ballasts on the ship in a process called trim optimization.
Basically, trim optimization is like giving a cruise ship a perfect posture in the water, so it’s not dragging its bow or stern and wasting fuel.
Podded Propellers and Air Bubbles
According to Carnival, “Over 40 ships in the company’s fleet are fitted with high-efficiency, 360-degree steerable podded propulsion units.”
These unique propellers are about 7% more efficient than the conventional propellers of old, and every new ship will be equipped with them.
Carnival is also using a system called Air Lubrication Systems, or ALS. Basically, they’re pumping air underneath their ships to create a carpet of tiny bubbles. Think of it like an air hockey table, but for a massive cruise ship.
This bubble layer cuts down on the friction between the ship’s hull and the water, which means the ship can glide through the water easier. They’re saying it’s saving them at least 5% on fuel, which is a huge deal when you’re talking about ships this size. They’ve already got it on over 10% of their fleet, and they’re planning to add it to ten more ships in the next three years.
Carnival Sunshine in Nassau, Bahamas
Biofouling Paint
The paint itself makes a big difference on a cruise ship’s efficiency as well. Carnival said they are testing out a next-gen biofouling paint. Biofouling is the unwanted accumulation of organisms like plants and algae that can increase drag on a vessel.
The company stated that about 15% of the fleet is testing out some of these new coatings to evaluate durability and efficacy.
Commenting on the impact of these plans by Carnival, Lars Ljoen added:
“This has been a journey of small steps and years of continued collaboration to push the boundaries of innovation and drive solutions for greater efficiencies. It is safe to say that collectively these initiatives have contributed to significant improvements in fuel and energy efficiency over time. In essence, we are continuously reducing our environmental footprint at the same time we deliver the best vacation experience for our guests.”
Appeared first on: Cruisefever.net
