Shell goes ‘back to basics’ in its search for energy effi ciency
Energy saving at Shell’s Shipping & Maritime business is not something that has been brought about by the pressures of the economic crisis of recent years; it is an intrinsic part of its business.
D
avid Connolly, Shell Lead Principal Maritime Technologist at Shell Shipping & Marine Technology,
tells Report: “We see energy saving basically as a means to becoming more efficient and that is simply good business practice. Becoming more efficient and hence more effective is a core principle for any business. The same goes for safety.”
Given its position in the energy and maritime sector, it is Shell’s duty to lead from the front, he adds, ‘making sure what we do is correct and addresses the challenges of the moment’. “And of course, we are a business so it has to be cost effective for the longer term.”
With a background in the design of naval vessels encompassing both surface combat- ants and submarines, Mr Connolly has been involved with the design of commercial
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vessels for the past 15 years with the last six years at Shell. He is focused on R&D and innovation.
“Efficiency and reducing emissions are continually on the agenda, we have to ‘put our money where our mouth is’ and look to develop innovative ideas or take them from existing practices and drive them into our business. We are looking all the time at our operations, both shipping and offshore, aiming to reduce the fuel bill, increase efficiency and improve safety. In doing so, we seek to fully understand the impact of improvements to ensure that actions have no unintended consequences and correspond- ingly that the business case for change/ improvement is robust. “We advocate through organisations such as OCIMF for responsible actions that will have a lasting and positive impact on reducing shipping’s emissions.”
Holistic view A number of technologies can have a positive impact at a given design point but it is important to consider the off-design performance, adds Mr Connolly. “Ships don’t operate in one sea state, their operational profile is changing continually. It is vital to consider the totality of the ship’s operational profile when seeking a means to improve performance.” He stresses that Shell Shipping & Maritime takes a holistic view of energy efficiency, examining the impact of change in a whole system approach. Energy efficiency embrac- es both physical modifications of ships and operational aspects to improve the manner within which the ship is utilised/deployed. Against this backdrop it is necessary to have the support of the operational staff, ship’s personnel and appropriate informa- tion capture and analysis tools in order to measure the outcome of choices. Shell has completed an extensive review of both physical modifications and operational change that might offer energy savings to their LNG carrier fleet. This work has embraced a review of a myriad of energy saving devices (Stator Fins, Wake Equalising Ducts, Mewis Duct, Costa Bulbs, Twisted Rudder, propeller boss cap fin turbines to name a few), review of coating systems, model testing to determine optimum trims
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