Shipyard Worker's Tugboat Economy Research Wins Prize

UK's A&P project engineer, Sally Watson, wins Ian Telfer Prize for her paper 'Reducing fuel usage & CO2 emissions from tug boat fleets: sea trials & theoretical modeling.

The Ian Telfer Prize is awarded annually for the best paper published on the subject of the environment, by a member under the age of 30.

As a consequence of Sally’s research, the engine control system on the harbour tug that was tested has been modified to permit it to operate fully within the region of best fuel economy during free-running. The results from the bollard-pull predictions provide insight for the design and operation of harbour tugs in the future.

Operating costs are currently at the forefront of vessel operator’s minds due to an increase in fuel costs and the need to use more expensive low sulphur fuel when close to shore or in harbour. The marine industry is also under a lot of scrutiny with regards to environmental impact at the moment along with the other transport industries. Therefore, any measures that can be taken to reduce fuel consumption, and ultimately money, along with reducing a vessel’s environmental impact are of advantage to the vessel operator.

Sally commented, “Having started the project during my third year at Newcastle University to see it expanded and ultimately published in a leading maritime industry publication is very exciting. The opportunity to design and run my own experiments on an existing ship was also a very important opportunity, giving me the chance to experience a ship operating in real life and real situations. To have won a prize in recognition of our work is extremely rewarding and will stand me in good stead as I progress along my career path”.