Improving a ship's energy efficiency in Korean coastal waters using tidal current information

This study investigates the impact of tidal currents on a ship’s speed, fuel consumption, and energy efficiency for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction. The research was conducted in Korean coastal waters from Busan Port to Incheon Port during spring and neap tides. The results show that if a tanker sails with the most favorable tidal current, it can improve fuel efficiency by up to 2.46 % and reduce sailing hours by up to 2.17 hr. This change can also improve the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Rating from "B" to "A". The study concludes that utilizing tidal currents can enhance energy efficiency and contribute to GHG reduction without any financial investment.