USA: Navy Develops SVPDA Fuel Saving Software

The Navy is developing a computer software application that will be used by Fleet weather centers to push optimized routes to Navy ships for safety and a fuel savings of more than 370,000 barrels annually. Naval Sea Systems Command and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command awarded a $1.4 million contract, April 5, to DRS Training and Control Systems for the Smart Voyage Planning Decision Aid, or SVPDA, proof-of-concept.

“This type of capability is used extensively in commercial shipping to identify fuel-efficient routing for cost savings,” said Glen Sturtevant, Team Ships Science and Technology director. “SVPDA will provide real-time information to avoid inclement weather where excess fuel would be consumed to maintain a prescribed course and stabilize the ship, while taking advantage of wind, waves and currents where fuel usage can be reduced.”

SVPDA also uses ship-specific hydrodynamic and propulsion data to create the most fuel-efficient route for that hull form

“The Fleet still has the option of selecting a non-fuel efficient course to ensure operational security, but SVPDA allows them to choose this fuel-optimized route when operations permit,” said Tom Martin, NAVSEA Energy Office technical director.

Once implemented throughout the Fleet, SVPDA is anticipated to reduce fuel consumption by a minimum of four percent, or 373,000 barrels per year. SVPDA is one of several shipboard energy efficiency initiatives the Navy is exploring to reduce Fleet fuel consumption and ensure energy security.

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Source: navsea, April 13, 2012