Trim optimisation

Helping you save fuel and reduce emissions through improved operational efficiency

Trim optimisation from Lloyd’s Register helps you find the optimum trim for your ship. We provide rapid computer analysis of your vessel and an easy to use reference for your crews, so you can choose the best trim for your speed and draught, and reduce fuel costs and emissions.

The rising price of fuel is having a big impact on operating costs in the shipping industry. Many owners and operators are focusing on how to reduce their fuel consumption by improving operational efficiency.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve greater efficiency is to optimise your vessel’s trim. This can lead to possible fuel savings of up to 5%.

Trim optimisation from Lloyd’s Register helps you find the optimum trim for your ship. We provide rapid computer analysis of your vessel and an easy to use reference for your crews, so you can choose the best trim for your speed and draught, and reduce fuel costs and emissions.

What is trim optimisation Every vessel has an optimum trim which differs according to draught and speed. Varying the trim can have a significant effect on a vessel’s performance, leading to potential fuel savings of up to 5%. Even a 1% fuel saving can have a significant impact on operating cost for most vessels, and when this is multiplied over a fleet the benefits are clear.

Trim optimisation from Lloyd’s Register

While most crews understand the principles of trim, vessels are often not operated in the optimum condition. Traditionally, identifying optimum trim has required expensive model testing of individual hull forms using a matrix of draughts and speeds, requiring construction of scale models and hire of tank test facilities.

Lloyd’s Register has developed advanced computer-based modeling techniques to quickly and cost-effectively perform the same analysis. In many cases, we can use existing ship models created in software such as NAPA and RhinoCAD or in IGES format. For some Lloyd’s Register clients, models may also be available as part of our Ship Emergency Response Service (SERS).

The result of the analysis is a set of optimum trims for any given draught and speed. This information is presented as a poster that can be placed on the bridge and easily interpreted by the vessel’s crew.

The benefits of trim optimisation

Trim optimisation provides the following potential benefits:

• Zero cost to implement.

• Immediate reduction in fuel consumption.

• Improvement in speed for the same fuel consumption.

• Potentially large savings across a fleet.

• Demonstrates your commitment to environmentally sound operations.

Working together for optimum results

Trim optimisation is about providing simple and accurate information to your ship’s staff so that they can implement operational best-practice and achieve simple fuel savings.

We will work closely with you to help ensure the service we provide matches the precise operating needs and restrictions of each vessel and the results are practical and beneficial.

For more information about trim optimisation, contact a member of our Technical Investigations team:

T +44 (0)20 7423 1764
ETID@lr.org