Retrofitting the Bow of a General Cargo Vessel Andevaluating Energy Efficiency Operational Index

Abstract

This report examines the feasibility and impact of retrofitting the bulbous bow on a general cargo ship, in terms of the energy efficiency operational index (EEOI), in the areas of Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Three ship forms were developed and analysed: with a bulbous bow, without a bulbous bow, and with a modified bulbous bow. The goal in developing the ship forms and conducting the analysis was to achieve minimal differences in the ship’s characteristics with the same volumetric displacement, aided by PolyCAD software. A route was selected between two ports: Varna and Rotterdam. The labour intensity of the bulbous bow retrofitting process was evaluated and approximate values of labours costs and cost for the task were determined. The results obtained for resistance during ship motion, EEOI, and fuel consumption reductions, or increases, were compared against the retrofitting values. The return cost of retrofitting is evaluated and measured in terms of fuel saved.