Reduce fuel consumption and emissions

Can ship autopilots reduce fuel and emissions?

Renowned for their unmatched precision and reliability, Anschütz autopilots are trusted by mariners worldwide. Today, they set the standard not only for safe navigation but also for achieving optimal steering performance. As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the ship’s autopilot is often an underestimated contributor to this goal. Anschütz autopilots offer a smart, sustainable solution.

But what do we know about the potential for fuel savings?

Whether navigating narrow archipelagos, complex island passages or fjords, Anschütz autopilots deliver the highest level of steering accuracy when it matters most. At the same time, they contribute to greater efficiency. By intelligently minimizing rudder activity during open-sea transits, they reduce hydrodynamic drag and fuel consumption without compromising safety. This balance between precision and efficiency is what sets Anschütz apart.

This dual capability is backed by data. In a field test involving five 85,000 dwt crude oil tankers operating in North America, the vessels achieved fuel savings in every scenario. Depending on trim, draft and speed, savings reached up to 4.7%, with an average just under 2%. These results were validated through computational fluid dynamics simulations and align with extensive real-world voyage experience.

No other manufacturer offers a range of fuel-saving functions as comprehensive as Anschütz’s – each designed for optimal performance in a variety of conditions:

Adaptive ECO mode, Course Control and integrated heading and rudder plot

  • The adaptive ECO mode continuously analyses yaw movements and adjusts steering behavior in real time to match sea state and vessel load.
  • The Course Control mode reduces travel distance, rudder activity and fuel use.
  • The integrated heading and rudder plot provides a graphic display of the actual steering performance and allows users to intuitively optimize additional parameters with just a few taps, if needed.

Unique Toe Angle function for twin-rudder vessels

Anschütz offers a patented Toe Angle function for twin-rudder ships, which dynamically adjusts rudder angles based on speed, draft and load. This reduces resistance in the wake field and has been proven to reduce fuel consumption in real-world operations.

Conclusion: A measurable impact on fuel efficiency

Anschütz autopilots offer the highest level of precise navigation and are also key enablers of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. With savings of almost 5% and improved Carbon Intensity Indicator ratings, they help shipowners meet environmental goals while maintaining the highest standards of steering performance.

 

Information on upgrades of existing Anschütz autopilots and refit solutions is available from the Official Distributor and Support Center for Greece:

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com