Applied oceanography specialist Tidetech presented the results of a recent route optimization trial with a major cruise line at the Green Ship Technology (GST) conference in Copenhagen in March. Company managing director Penny Haire said the trial had been successful and significant fuel savings had been demonstrated through the use of ocean current data.

“Following the results of the trial, we have demonstrated that bunker savings of 1-4 percent can be made on routes affected by the Gulf Stream,” Haire said. “We’re now working on customizing the data delivery methods and mechanisms so it fits seamlessly with bridge systems and becomes and integral part of the company’s voyage planning.”

Haire said savings from weather routing—around 2 to 4 percent—were already being achieved and oceanographic routing could add further efficiency in route optimization.

“Oceanographic data at this level of accuracy can make a big difference to overall efficiency,” Haire said. “Our products are designed to help shipping companies grab another few per cent of bunker savings and be an integral element of overall vessel optimization. Our new global tidal products mean this can now be achieved on coastal routes which has never been possible before.”

Tidetech’s global data products are created using satellite observation and hydrodynamic models, gathered, analyzed and/or calculated by a team of world-leading oceanographic scientists. The company applies the science of oceanography to create data models that benefit a range of maritime users in commercial, fishing and yacht racing sectors. Collating, analyzing and calculating a vast array of inputs and observations, Tidetech produces oceanographic data including tidal streams, ocean currents, sea surface temperatures and wave forecasts.

Tidetech is a technical supplier to the 34th America’s Cup and the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race.

For more information, visit tidetech.org.