Chapter 2. Energy-efficient ship route planning considering meteorological navigation conditions
Keywords:
energy efficiency, navigational route optimization, fuel consumption, ocean currents, meteorological conditions, energy model, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, current velocities, water masses
Synopsis
Some issues of increasing the energy efficiency of ships by improving navigation methods
The aim of this study was to examine and address all aspects related to various ship optimization systems, as well as to analyze the impact of currents in the Strait of Gibraltar on the fuel efficiency of maritime vessels and to substantiate navigational decisions that allow for the optimization of energy consumption.
The necessity for the modernization of meteorological support has been considered, and the convenience, speed, and reliability of using software for navigational route adjustments have been demonstrated. Their impact on the management of maritime operations and the enhancement of safety has been analyzed. The influence of hydrodynamic currents in the Mediterranean Sea on the energy efficiency of maritime transport has been studied. Taking into account the spatial and temporal variability of current characteristics, an analysis was conducted on their effect on vessel maneuverability and fuel efficiency. Satellite observations, ERA5 atmospheric reanalysis data, and in-situ NOAA studies were used to construct a current velocity map of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Approaches for optimizing maritime routes considering currents were proposed with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. It was shown that adjusting a vessel’s course in accordance with the direction of currents can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nadiia Vasalatii ______________________________________ How to Cite: Vasalatii, N.; Kalinichenko, Y. (Ed.) (2025). Energy-efficient ship route planning considering meteorological navigation conditions. Some issues of increasing the energy efficiency of ships by improving navigation methods. Tallinn: Scientific Route OÜ. doi: https://doi.org/10.21303/978-9908-9706-4-6.ch2
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