Trim Optimization for Ship Resistance Reduction and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) Regulation Assessment

Abstract Environmental concerns and the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions have intensified efforts to improve the energy efficiency of all stakeholders, including the shipping industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated operational and design measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce ship emissions. One of the most effective operational measures is trim optimisation. This is a feasible measure because it does not require structural modifications to the ship or further development of engines and can reduce the ship’s resistance and fuel consumption. Trimming optimisation can be studied through experimental tests; however, this is a difficult, expensive, and time-consuming method. Therefore, in this paper, a numerical method is proposed to predict the optimal trim that minimises the resistance of the container ship (MV. Meratus Kahayan) as considered as case studies in this paper. Different trim conditions and speeds were considered during the optimisation. The analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) shows how a stern trim of 0.5 degrees reduces resistance by 2.6%. Factors like mechanical issues and fuel quality contribute to this inefficiency. The vessel stands out for its high energy efficiency, leading in environmental sustainability in the maritime industry.