Ship Operations Dictionary Entry
Slow Steaming
"The practice of operating a ship at a speed significantly lower than its maximum design speed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions."
Definition
Slow Steaming is an operational strategy initiated during the 2008 financial crisis to absorb excess fleet capacity and reduce fuel costs. It has since become a primary method for complying with environmental regulations like CII.
Physics
Ship fuel consumption is approximately cubic to speed ($Consumption \propto Speed^3$).
- Reducing speed by 10% can reduce fuel consumption by ~27%.
- Reducing speed by 20% can reduce fuel consumption by ~50%.
Challenges
Prolonged slow steaming can cause technical issues in main engines designed for higher loads, such as "cold corrosion" and soot accumulation in the turbocharger and economizer, requiring specific maintenance adjustments (e.g., cut-out of turbochargers or auxiliary blowers).
Related Terms
Fuel EfficiencyCarbon Intensity Indicator (CII)Ship Maintenance