Energy-efficient ship operation through advanced maneuvre planning

Safety and efficiency in maritime transport base on well-trained crews. This is also valid regarding environmentally-friendly operation of ships. Only mariners who know how to contribute to energy efficiency and reduction of emissions will be able to realize the ambitious aims declared by IMO. Despite of a good overall energy balance of maritime transportation compared to other transport modes, it is known, that shipping is a main contributor to air pollution especially in coastal zones and harbor areas where a lot of people are concerned. It is assumed that optimized maneuvering regimes have potential to decrease the negative effects and also may reduce fuel consumption. Fundamental studies were carried out focusing on alternative maneuvering strategies supported by advanced assistance tools for planning, conducting and monitoring of maneuvers. In this paper ongoing research work will be presented and the basic ideas and concepts are described. Selected results of a case study on harbor maneuvers of a ferry and the development of training scenarios will be introduced.