MITSUI E&S has completed sea trials of a new high-precision ship thrust measurement system aboard the crude oil tanker ENEOS DREAM.
The company developed the system to measure vessel propulsion performance more accurately under actual operating conditions. According to MITSUI E&S, the trials confirmed stable measurements and high reproducibility across different operating conditions.
System directly measures vessel thrust
Traditional vessel performance analysis often relies on data such as ship speed and shaft power. However, wind, waves and currents can affect these measurements and make it difficult to identify the reasons behind changes in vessel performance.
MITSUI E&S developed its system to measure thrust directly. Thrust represents the force that moves a vessel forward and can therefore provide additional information about propulsion performance.
The technology measures small levels of strain in engine structural components and uses this information to calculate thrust. It also compensates for factors such as structural deformation and temperature changes that could affect the measurements.
Sea trials conducted aboard ENEOS DREAM
MITSUI E&S installed the system aboard ENEOS DREAM, a crude oil tanker owned by ENEOS Ocean Corporation.
During the sea trials, the system was tested under actual operating conditions. MITSUI E&S said the results demonstrated stable measurement performance and sufficient reproducibility for practical use.
The data could help operators better understand how wind, waves and currents affect propulsion performance and fuel consumption.
This could also improve the analysis of a vessel’s condition and provide more accurate information for voyage and fuel-efficiency optimisation.
MITSUI E&S plans commercialisation
MITSUI E&S plans to commercialise the system after it undergoes validation by an independent third-party organisation.
The company also intends to work with shipowners, operators, shipbuilders and voyage optimisation providers to promote the wider use of thrust-based vessel performance measurements.
MITSUI E&S ultimately aims to establish thrust data as an additional indicator for evaluating vessel performance and supporting more efficient operations.
