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Fuel efficiency faceoff – carbon fibre vs. aluminium

A test to measure the long-term cost savings of CarboCAT
In order to put hard numbers to the cost savings of CarboCAT compared with aluminium vessels, we conducted a study. Savings will vary depending on the type of propulsion used, among other factors, but the study demonstrated that a CarboCAT will ultimately save you millions of Euros in fuel costs.

The setup
To demonstrate how much money can be saved, we created a calculation model. We used engines from the same supplier and their official information about the engines’ fuel consumption.

To get an objective idea of CarboCAT 25’s efficiency, the operation profile is the same for all examples and the same speed is assumed during the entire period. To reach the same speed, 23 knots, the engines required different levels of machine power. The aluminium catamaran needed to be equipped with larger engines in order to reach approximately the same speed with half load.

The CarboCAT 25 was equipped with two alternative propulsion types: water jet and CPP (controllable pitch propellers). It was equipped with the same engine in both propulsion cases. The aluminium catamaran was equipped with only one propulsion type.

The parameters:

  • Operation profile of 4,500 hrs/year for 10 years
  • Power for estimated speed of approximately 23 kts with half load
  • Fuel price estimated at 0,7€/ litre
  • CarboCAT engine: MTU 10V 2000M72 *2 in both propulsion examples
  • Aluminium catamaran engine: MTU 12V 2000M72 *2
  • CarboCAT propulsion alternative 1: water jet. Alternative 2: CPP
  • Aluminium catamaran propulsion: water jet

The results
The study covered accumulated fuel costs over ten years. The total fuel cost at the end of the period was:

  • CarboCAT 25 equipped with MTU 10V and CPP: 9 127 235 EUR
  • CarboCAT 25 equipped with MTU 10V and WJ: 11 654 778 EUR
  • Aluminium catamaran equipped with MTU 12V and WJ: 15 596 492 EUR

Over the course of ten years, the CarboCAT using CPP demanded 6.4 million Euros less in fuel costs and the one using water jets saved 3.9 million Euros. And as carbon fibre gives CarboCAT an exceptional lifespan, the savings keep adding up.

 

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CarboClyde launches new era of wind farm efficiency

Offshore wind farm in the UK the first to experience the benefits of CarboCAT

CarboClyde is the first vessel in the world ideally suited to servicing offshore wind farms. Currently at work in the turbulent North Sea, CarboClyde utilizes the benefits of advanced carbon composites to create a solution that is more robust, efficient and safer than wind farm service vessels constructed from aluminium. It was crafted by CarboCAT – a Swedish shipyard that has introduced the unmatched benefits of carbon fibre to commercial shipbuilding.

Quickly and safely transferring personnel to turbines is perhaps the greatest challenge in servicing offshore wind farms. Creating a stable platform on an aluminium boat is hindered by weight restrictions since a vessel that is too heavy can damage wind turbines. As CarboClyde is constructed from lightweight carbon composites, it could be built bigger without putting turbines at risk. Thanks to this enhanced stability, transferring personnel is more efficient and the risk of accidents reduced.

“We were really excited about this project because we saw that our carbon composite technology could provide a major boost in safety and efficiency,” said Anders Ekstrand, Sales Manager of CarboCAT. “And since the wind farm industry is starting to boom, finding a better solution was critical.”

CarboClyde’s light weight has other advantages as well. It allows for more cargo and passenger capacity so more can be accomplished each trip out to sea. Being both light and strong allows for greater top speeds. And the reduced weight means less power is required to propel the vessel, creating 20% greater fuel efficiency than an aluminium equivalent.

The North Sea is an unforgiving environment. As such, robustness was a must for CarboClyde. Using tough carbon composites and a sandwich construction technique, CarboClyde is better able to withstand the elements than steel or aluminium. Its hull can take the constant grind of impacts over the long term and is invulnerable to rust and corrosion. Its sandwich construction reduces damage from impacts by absorbing the force locally to preserve structural integrity. This also means repairs are quick and simple as damage is contained in a small area.

Though carbon composites are new territory for service vessels, the shipbuilders behind CarboCAT have been using it to craft ships for 35 years. With CarboCAT, they are bringing their expertise in constructing state of the art naval ships to the commercial sector. CarboClyde is the first proof of the benefits of carbon composites in servicing wind farms.

“This technology and construction method holds tremendous potential for improving commercial enterprises,” said Ekstrand. “We started CarboCAT because we saw that this performance is going to be a necessity for businesses in the near future.”

Demands on vessel performance are swiftly changing. New safety regulations are being developed for the wind farm industry that will make greater stability a must. Environmental regulations will put new restrictions on CO2 emissions. And increasing competition will make efficient service more and more important. With CarboClyde, at least one wind farm is ready to meet these challenges.

Learn more about CarboCAT’s wind farm service vessels >>

Happy holidays from CarboCAT

From everyone at CarboCAT, we wish you joyous holiday season!

As 2011 winds to a close, we’re thankful for the success we’ve enjoyed this year and for all the wonderful people who helped propel CarboCAT to a great start. We hope that we can work together in the future to create an even better 2012!

Best wishes,

The CarboCAT team