An energy audit tool for increasing fishing efficiency

At least since we learned to admit that the oil reserves of the world are limited, improving energy efficiency has been regarded important. Recently the climate-abusing effects of exhaust gases from combustion processes have been increasingly focused. This is underlining the importance of improving the energy efficiency in all sectors presently depending on the use of internal combustion engines, among which we find modern fisheries. Actual fishing fleet is most cases not efficient because of outdated technology. Over the years the energy efficiency of the ship goes down due to obsolescence, while that of the state of the art rises. Maintaining an adequate level of energy efficiency requires a continuous monitoring of the energy profile of the vessel. In this way any causes of energy inefficiency can be identified, being able to act on them promptly and effectively. A proper system of energy consumption monitoring is therefore essential for maintaining high energy efficiency. Energy usage could be investigated using different approaches. Using an appropriate fuel consumption monitoring system it is possible to evaluate the energy performance of fishing vessel under different operating conditions. Once energy consumption has been related to each operating condition, fishermen can minimize fuel consumption. Energy efficiency investigation could be deeply carried out through an energy audit which allows to obtain an extensive energy profile of the fishing vessel monitored. With an energy audit it is possible to measure the energy consumption of each energy user, among which the propulsion system, the electric and the hydraulic users. For each energy user, suggestions to improve energy efficiency can be proposed to fishermen.