WOODSIDE’S five new tugboats servicing the North West of WA are making dramatic reductions in fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Early results from the new contracted fleet with Svitzer which is using innovative engine technology and enhanced tug master practices to help achieve up to 50% fuel savings on the pilot boat and around 25-30% on tugs, according to Woodside Port Operations Superintendent, David Kenny.
Woodside is 15 months into a signed 10-year contract plus options with Svitzer to provide terminal towage and pilot transfer services at Woodside LNG export terminals in WA’s North West from the end of 2023.
Mr Kenny said this came after Woodside conducted an exhaustive review of all options for powering new tugboats.
Key drivers for the contract were innovation, increased power to assist with the bigger ships that now export from the North West and a reduction in overall emissions.
“Our five new tugboats are 28 metres long (the length of two buses) and are fitted with two 2350 kilowatt diesel engines that each have six turbo chargers, enabling the vessels to go from idle to full power within seven seconds.
“Another impressive feature is the SY-Drive variable marine propulsion system which can drive fuel savings of up to 10%.
“The system allows one of the tugboat’s two diesel engines to power both thrusters, reducing emissions and engine-run hours. And the advanced engine design increases towage capability, with more power and faster delivery.”
Svitzer Australia’s Head of Innovation, David Bartnik said running two diesel engines at low rpms, were less efficient than running one engine at its sweet spot which meant the vessel was being used more efficiently.
Mr Kenny said that a new policy called “Aim for Eight” which encourages tug masters to keep to eight knots when transiting – i.e., travelling to and from an LNG cargo vessel – is also proving effective.
Using a tracking device known as automatic identification system (AIS) technology that records a vessel’s location at specific times, and therefore enabling speeds and fuel usage to be determined, is delivering figures that show the policy is improving fuel efficiency.
“They’re only estimates but they’re a very effective way of promoting fuel-efficient operations,” Mr Kenny said.
Woodside and Svitzer are also examining how a solar plant might help supply power to tugs in lieu of the electricity grid. Work on this project is continuing.
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