TS Laevad sails into a greener future with Blueflow

Estonian ferry operator TS Laevad has managed to lower fuel consumption and cut emissions by 6% using the Blueflow energy management system. In addition, data from the system helps the company schedule preventive maintenance and plan future additions to the fleet. The direct feedback to the crews is a key reason why Blueflow has been a success, and the system will be fitted on all future vessels operated by TS Laevad.

Sailing in beautiful but fragile surroundings in the Baltic Sea carries certain responsibilities, and Estonian ferry operator TS Laevad takes those responsibilities very seriously. “Our ferry services and ports of call are located in a sensitive maritime area which enjoys special protections under the European Natura 2000 convention”, says Virgo Saul, Technical Solutions Manager at TS Laevad. “When we took over the ferry services in 2016, we committed to an ambitious plan for reducing our ecological footprint”.

TS Laevad operates two ferry routes in western Estonia, Virtsu-Kuivastu and Rohuküla-Heltermaa, using four ferries: the mf Leiger, mf Tõll, mf Tiiu, and mf Piret. Both routes are quite challenging: The Rohuküla-Heltermaa crossing goes through channels where the under-keel clearance is frequently below 0.5m. While the water is deeper on the Virtsu-Kuivastu crossing, it has three times as many moorings and loading/unloading operations, and its harbours are more exposed to stormy southerly winds. In the winter, operating conditions vary greatly from day to day because of sea ice.

6% fuel savings and improved planning

For TS Laevad, the project was a success: On its four ferries, the company cut fuel consumption by 6%, and achieved corresponding emissions reductions, compared to a six-month period without Blueflow. The crews achieved this primarily by optimising acceleration and deceleration manoeuvres, particularly on the Rohuküla-Heltermaa route. “In shallow waters, you need to understand where you can increase speed if you are behind schedule”, remarks Virgo Saul. “It’s not very meaningful to do that if you have only 0.5 metres of under-keel clearance. If you wait until you are in deeper waters, you can achieve the same result with less energy”.

The data from Blueflow also allowed TS Laevad to fine-tune its preventive maintenance schedule. “After monitoring the vessel propulsion energy consumption data and comparing it between sister vessels on the same route, we realised that it is perfect for planning underwater hull cleaning”, says Virgo Saul: On ships where hull cleaning was delayed, the thrusters used up to 20% more energy to keep the ferry on schedule.

The detailed figures are also being used for design and planning. TS Laevad is planning to add a new all-electric ferry to its fleet, and is investigating options for converting the Piret to fully electric operation. “For both projects, Blueflow has been extremely helpful for planning battery capacity, energy management, and propulsion systems, as we have realistic input on energy consumption, requirements, and navigational condition data from the existing fleet”, adds Virgo Saul.

Sailing into a greener future

Satisfied with the results so far, TS Laevad are planning to equip all future ferries with Blueflow. The company is currently working to integrate the Events module which will ease reporting, and the ETA module which will give crews an even better overview of how they can sail economically and still adhere to the schedule.

With Blueflow on board, TS Laevad’s crews has the information they need to sail safely and contribute to protecting the beautiful Natura 2000 scenery in western Estonia. “I can sum it up very shortly”, concludes Virgo Saul. “Direct feedback and good reporting and analysis tools lead to better performance of the crew and vessel. Better performance leads to lower fuel consumption and GHG emissions. And lower fuel consumption and GHG emissions lead to better economical results and a greener environment”.