Estimation of fuel consumption using discrete-event simulation - a validation study

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the validity of quasi-static discrete-event simulation for estimation of fuel consumption and assessment of energy effective ship designs. Stricter emission regulations for ships and developments in computer science have sparked an interest in virtual testing and simulation approaches to enhance our understanding of vessel performance early in the design process. Our methodology uses discrete-event simulation and historical weather data to replicate the operational conditions, and quasi-static calculations to estimate wave and wind added resistance on the ship hull. The validity of this approach is tested in a case study using full-scale measurements from a deep-sea vessel. Results show that we are able to recreate the voyage in a manner that show several similarities to the case vessel measurements. Speed policies that better replicate real operation and fuel curves that take the engine state into account is recommended in order to improve fuel consumption estimates.