Teekay has signed a deal with Propulsion Dynamics to implement its Computerised Analysis of Ship PERformance system, or CASPER, following the completion of a trial period.
Two sea trials of the vessel performance analysis system were performed aboard a group of Teekay’s Aframax and gas carriers, and the technology is now being implemented for the continuous monthly monitoring of 90 vessels over a three-year period.
Hull and propeller performance are measured by the system in pursuance of Teekay’s fuel conservation and emissions reduction initiative, with 70 Aframax and Suezmax tankers yielding usable information by March 2009, following the beginning of the process in the second half of 2008.
The final twin-propeller gas carriers and shuttle tankers became active in the programme during the summer of 2009.
Under the agreement Propulsion Dynamics produces monthly corrected data from the vessels on wind force and speed, wave height, sea current, draught, and trim. This enables the CASPER computer program to calculate the added hull and propeller resistance, true speed and fuel consumption.
Teekay has used these reports to develop a benchmark that enables its four regional offices to monitor the hull and propeller efficiency of each of its vessels, and the internal performance rating that a vessel has attained.
