Subscribe to RSSFullers Go Slow For Good Cause -The Planet
Slightly slower speeds will result in energy savings for Fullers’ Hauraki Gulf craft.
Cost savings were identified in an energy audit of five Fullers’ vessels as part of the Tourism Energy Efficiency Programme (TEEP), a national programme offered by the Tourism Industry Association and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to help transport and accommodation tourism businesses reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The savings identified are primarily associated with operating vessels at a slightly slower speed “when appropriate”, applying new technology foul release coatings on vessels and propellers, and improving the efficiency of vessel lighting,
Fullers’ Douglas Hudson says that in terms of vessel fuel efficiency, the audit identified the design and condition of propellers as some of the most important factors.
New propellers have recently been purchased for some of the vessels and their effect on performance will determine the decision whether to upgrade propellers on other vessels. “
We are also already using antifouling systems with great results and recognise the opportunity to trial some of the upgraded, more advanced products.
“We are also carrying out other conservation initiatives including recycling bins on all vessels, more efficient usage of water and measures to calculate and reduce our carbon footprint.“In terms of making savings associated with operating some vessels at a slower speed on the Waiheke Island service, we definitely support and have been implementing this recommendation, although it must be noted that this is not always feasible, as we are restricted by the constraints of operating a high speed service and fixed timetables, and ultimately the need to satisfy our customers.”
The audit claimed Fullers has the potential to cut more than $250,000 off its annual energy bill and help the environment by introducing simple energy saving initiatives.
3 Comments
Ferries use about twice the fuel per passenger/km as cars do, their advantage lies in the much lesser distances required to be travelled by them…
There’s no road to Waiheke, so the question doesn’t even apply there
And (so far) no congestion on the harbour, so a ferry from some places can beat the car even when the distance is similar.
Also, Jeremy, any reference for that fuel spend comment - I’d like to look it up. As always, it will hugely depend on what assumptions are made for passenger numbers / car occupants…
It was from an American study… A road engineer called riggles posted a copy on the better transport forums… Try a search on that site… It also compared vans vs. car vs. electric rail vs. diesel rail etc, very interesting…