Retrofitting To Cut Fuel Use

Technology group, Wärtsilä says its retrofit package for the Corsica Linea ferry Pascal Paoli has resulted in fuel savings of up to 22%. This significant gain in energy efficiency on each trip has been made possible by the installation of a new twin screw controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system with blades optimised for the ship’s operating profile, the Wärtsilä EnergoProFin energy saving propeller cap, a controls retrofit, and combinator curves for the ship’s various operating modes.

These upgrades, which were completed at the end of 2024, were validated through CFD (computational fluid dynamics) open water simulations, and confirmed during sea trials with the chief engineer. In monetary terms, the fuel savings equate to an estimated US$7,700 per trip. The related reduction in emissions represents a massive step in Corsica Linea’s decarbonisation journey, allowing the company to remain compliant with the stricter requirements on carbon emissions.

Xavier Esnault, energy transition project manager at Corsica Linea: “The fuel savings are important, both from a cost perspective, as well as supporting our decarbonisation strategy to reach a reduction of 40% of our CO2 emissions by 2030.”

The Pascal Paoli is a 174-metre long RoPax ferry operating between Marseille and Bastia. She has two Wärtsilä 46 engines per shaft line and a number of operating modes, including sailing and manoeuvring with one or two engines per shaft line. The changes resulting from the retrofit project did not impact the vessel’s manoeuvrability.

Shipping faces pressure to prove emissions cuts as new data highlights gap between predictions and reality

Optimising energy
Oceanly, a provider of digital solutions for the maritime industry, has reported a 60% success rate from its ECOPAC energy optimisation system.

As the industry moves towards decarbonisation, precise and accurate data-driven proof of performance is essential, says Frederick Lerche-Tornoe, CEO at Oceanly.

Latest findings from Oceanly, which analysed outcomes from its ECOPAC energy optimisation system, are that in more than 60% of recent cases, its predictive figures aligned closely to real-world implementation. The purpose was to demonstrate how predictive modelling and real-time monitoring can deliver the transparency increasingly required by regulators and charterers.