Feature 1 | ENVIRONMENT


The Ascenz Remote Fuel Monitoring System relays data from an onboard flow meter to shore, via satellite.


make predictions for fuel economy. For instance, when tank dipping, just a small, 0.25% error in the reading can equal more than US$7000 in costs.” In contrast, the Remote Fuel Monitoring


System transmits fuel consumption data, gathered from an onboard flow meter, directly to the Ascenz website, via satellite, where customers can log in to access the data. Information includes vessel location and engine status, as well as density, mass flow and temperature of the liquid fuel at any given time, enabling operators to monitor rates of consumption, both hourly and daily.


operating speed they should generate for the remainder of the journey and how it will affect the ship, and get instant feedback – for instance, whether taking such a course of action will result in a 5% fuel saving, or whether re-trimming the vessel on the way affects the real-time data at all. “Tis isn’t rocket science – we conducted


system trials in Solent, UK, with Red Funnel and the group discovered, when using EEM, that making a few alterations to the trial vessel’s displacement could lead to a 15% reduction in fuel costs. Tat could lead to a seven-figure sum saving each year. Te main purpose of the system is to identify paradigms and weaknesses within the paradigms, and thereby give operators a cogent, persuasive argument for changing their operational practices.” Gregory predicts that, upon installing the Azurtane system, operators should see a return on their investment within a year, or two years at the most. As well as the environmental benefits, Gregory also believes that systems


such as this can provide a degree of asset protection for charterers. “Charterers do not want more fuel spent than is strictly necessary,” he comments, “and they will want credit back for unused fuel. He may get something back, but how can he be sure he’s getting the full amount, unless it is carefully monitored?”


Direct data via satellite Similar concerns have motivated Singapore- based Ascenz to develop its Remote Fuel Monitoring System, which aims to collect fuel consumption data for ongoing or routine monitoring, as well as enabling operators to compile key performance indicators (KPIs) to assist with future decision making. Chia Yoong Hai, director and CEO of


Ascenz, says: “Bunker fuel costs were low before 2008, but we’ve this year seen prices shoot up to US$154 a barrel. In 2007, fuel accounted for approximately 20% of total operating expenses, but this has rocketed to 60% at the very minimum. Without reliable data, it becomes difficult for operators to


Voyage-long monitoring The incorporation of a flow meter into the set-up also eliminates the need to fly engineers out to the vessel, with the info being relayed over a satellite terminal (most commonly via Inmarsat services, Chia tells Offshore Marine Technology) back to shore. Chia claims that users can also access the


website’s ‘history track’ function to check the vessel’s past movements on a map display, enabling operators to calculate at which sections of the voyage, at which locations and under which conditions the most fuel was spent, and to translate these patterns into KPIs to set standards for future operational practice, including the ideal RPMs to slash fuel consumption while still arriving on time. As Chia says: “A KPI for fleet fuel consumption could prove a good strategy to keep costs low and stay ahead of competitors.” Te Ascenz system has been supported


by Maersk Oil and clients include Shell and Bourbon Offshore, among others. Interestingly, the Remote Fuel Monitoring System could also prove a deterrent to fuel thieves, Chia comments, highlighting a recent criminal case in which a former Chevron employee, working in cahoots with internal staff, was caught red-handed by police while stealing bunker fuel. The accused man is believed to have


Users of the Ascenz system can check the vessel’s past movements and fuel readings on a map display.


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purloined hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fuel over a period of time, and one imagines that, as the world continues to suffer the effects of the recession, theſt of this precious commodity will no doubt thrive. A reliable monitoring system could alert operators to wild fluctuations in fuel volumes and nip such problems in the bud, Chia argues. OMT


Offshore Marine Technology 4th Quarter 2011


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