Enhancing maritime fuel efficiency through addressing crew behaviors

Maritime transportation of goods globally is expensive due to high fuel costs, with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) averaging $650 per metric ton. Fuel efficiency is crucial for successful fleet operations, with behaviors of ship crews playing a significant role. Signol, a digital fuel efficiency service, aims to help crew members save fuel through behavior change techniques, emphasizing the impact of crew actions on fuel consumption and sustainability.

Harriet Hunnisett-Johnson, head of maritime for Signol, believes in the concept of a “fuel-efficient crew” that actively seeks to achieve fuel efficiency. Motivating crew members to make fuel-efficient choices can be challenging, as traditional incentives may not be effective. Signol sets goals and provides incentives for fuel-efficient behavior, linking crew members’ actions to the quality of their work and offering pro-social incentives for achieving goals.

Small contributions from individual crew members can lead to significant fuel savings, with projects showing reductions in bunker fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Hunnisett-Johnson emphasizes the importance of crew engagement in fuel efficiency for sustainability efforts and the adoption of alternative fuels in the shipping industry. By motivating crews to act efficiently, Signol aims to drive operational excellence and reduce fuel consumption for a more sustainable future in maritime transportation.

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