Sea go-slow cuts costs - Maritime Connector

Posted July 26, 2010 - Maritime Connector

The world's largest cargo ships are traveling at lower speeds today than sailing clippers such as the Cutty Sark did more than 130 years ago.
The recession and growing awareness in the industry about climate change emissions encouraged many ship owners to adopt "slow steaming" to save fuel two years ago.
This lowered speeds from the standard 25 knots to 20 knots, but many major companies have taken this further by adopting "super-slow steaming" at speeds of 12 knots.
Travel times between Australia and Europe are now comparable to those of the 19th century. American clippers reached 14-17 knots in the 1850s, with the fastest recording 22 knots or more.
Maersk, the world's largest shipping line, has adapted its diesel engines to travel at super-slow speeds which reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent. It is believed Maersk has saved more than £65 million ($138 million) since it began its go-slow.

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