Increased efficiency through targeted retrofit measures
The Norwegian shipping company Utkilen, headquartered in Bergen, has implemented a comprehensive retrofit program in collaboration with Becker Marine Systems and Brunvoll – with remarkable success: under certain operating conditions, efficiency gains of up to 25% have been achieved.
From operating profile to efficiency strategy
The starting point was the changed operating characteristics of the two chemical tankers Golfstraum (built in 2011) and Rystraum (built in 2012). Utkilen's goal was to significantly increase the energy efficiency of the ships while sustainably reducing emissions in line with current EU and IMO regulations.
Customised technical solutions
The retrofit comprised several coordinated measures:
- Becker Mewis Duct® (Becker Marine Systems): ship-specific design for more uniform inflow and reduced vortex losses (flow homogenisation, increased efficiency)
- Propeller (Brunvoll):Redesign of the propellers for more efficient geometry to match the new profile.
- Operational levers (Utkilen): Reduction of service speed from 14.5 knots to 12.5 knots as an enabler for overall optimisation.
- Shipyard measures: Blasting & coating as complementary efficiency components
Result: Fuel consumption was reduced by around 17% during normal operation and by up to 25% in ballast mode.
For more details, see our performance story: “Synergy for sustainability: Becker Mewis Duct® and propeller optimisation in practical use”
