Push Boat Veerle Reduces CO2 Emissions After Retrofit Project
In 2017, the Werkendam shipping company Ruijven embarked on an ambitious project to make the push boat “Veerle” from 1977 more sustainable after acquiring it. The main goal was to reduce fuel consumption and decrease the ship’s CO2 footprint. Ruijven asked us for assistance, a request we enthusiastically took on together with our partner.
Engine Analysis and Optimization
The project began by determining the required propulsion power for the route from Rotterdam, Netherlands, to Duisburg, Germany, and back by sailing aboard the push boat. During this journey, a power measurement was conducted using a calibrated kW-meter on the propeller shaft, resulting in an accurate determination of the consumed power.
Based on the advice regarding the required installed power in relation to the desired speed, the client decided to replace the three existing 10-cylinder Bolnes 10 DNL (1,700 hp) engines with three new Caterpillar 3512 engines.
Hydrodynamic Optimization of the Stern
Next, the hydrodynamic performance of the ship was analyzed, with special attention to the stern to identify optimization opportunities. The CFD analysis revealed that significant gains could be achieved, especially with the ship’s propellers and rudders.
As a result, it was decided to replace the three existing 5-blade propellers with three CFD-optimized 3-blade propellers, reduce the number of flanking rudders from six to four, and adjust the angle of the rudders.
Results After the Retrofit Project
After the eco-friendly retrofit project — which included re-engining and modifications to the stern — the push boat Veerle achieved the expected speed, saved on fuel costs and CO2 emissions, and exhibited low noise levels and vibrations in all areas.
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