Research project Data capture in vessels for reduced CO2 emissions

General introduction

DIGIVLOOT has expanded the existing VISTools system with a tool to accurately measure and visualize the fuel consumption of Belgian fishing vessels. The plan included installing fuel meters on the main and auxiliary engines of 37 Belgian fishing vessels, complemented by speed logs and torque meters on three vessels. By the end of the project, 31 vessels had been equipped with fuel meters, four vessels remained in the queue and two vessels withdrew from the project. Two vessels were fitted with both a torque meter and a speed log, and one vessel is still awaiting the installation of the speed log. With the additional data, the most relevant ratios and visualizations were developed and fed back to ship owners through an updated VISTools Analytics dashboard and detailed fuel reports. The generated data were also used to establish a baseline measurement of the fuel consumption of Flemish fishing vessels, serving as a starting point for formulating recommendations to reduce the fleet’s CO2 emissions. That was also successful. The project was funded by OVIS (OV12202).

The DigiVloot project was financed by OVIS (OV12202).

Research approach

The project plan provided for the installation of fuel meters on the main and auxiliary engines of 37 Belgian fishing vessels, supplemented by speed logs and torque meters on three vessels. This target was approximately achieved. Interestingly, the fuel and torque meters on the participating vessels were connected to the concentrator (the intelligent brain of Vistools). From the concentrator, the data is sent to ILVO for secure storage and processing. In addition to these automatic data flows, the shipowners also decided to provide their own data on technical modifications (type of fishing gear, net configurations, and maintenance work) that could have an effect on fuel consumption. The database infrastructure was adapted and the relevant ratios and other data were made more easily accessible to various end users. The data make it possible to study the effect of on-board decisions on fuel consumption in another project (Fishing Vessel of the Future). The data generated can also be used as a baseline measurement of fuel consumption by Flemish fishing vessels. This measurement is a starting point for formulating recommendations on reducing CO2 emissions from the fleet.

Relevance/Valorization

DIGIVLOOT has provided a solid foundation for future data-driven measures aimed at fuel savings and CO2 reduction in the Flemish fishing fleet. Skippers and ship owners gain insights into their fuel consumption in relation to onboard actions as never before. Researchers and policymakers can use the baseline and detailed data to support targeted climate and energy policies for the sector. The additional sensors and adapted infrastructure bring VISTools one step closer to a high-resolution, near real-time information system that will, in the longer term, enable data exchange with external parties and support further European research projects.