eclipse yacht fuel consumption

Find anything, super fast.

Destinations
Documentaries

Eclipse Specifications

Name Eclipse
Model Custom
Flag Bermuda
Class Lloyds Register
Hull NB 978
Hull Colour -
Naval Architect Blohm + Voss
Exterior Designer Terence Disdale
Interior Designer Terence Disdale
Length Overall 162.5m
Length at Waterline -
Draft (min) -
Draft (max) 5.9m
Gross Tonnage 13000
Cabins Total 18
Cabins 1 Master / 17 VIP
Hull Configuration Displacement
Hull Material Steel
Superstructure -
Deck Material -
Fuel Type Diesel
Manufacturer -
Model 20V 1163 TB93
Total Power -
Propulsion Triple Screw
Max Speed 25 Kn
Cruising Speed 22 Kn
Fuel Capacity -
Water Capacity -
Generator -
Stabilizers -
Thrusters -
Amenities -
Yacht Builder Blohm + Voss No profile available
Naval Architect Blohm + Voss No profile available
Exterior Designer Terence Disdale View profile
Interior Designer Terence Disdale View profile

Yacht Specs

Other blohm + voss yachts, related news.

Roman Abramovich just spent a mind-boggling $2.2 million to fuel up his $600 million superyacht – Longer than 5 football fields, the Eclipse has anti-missile systems, a laser shield, two helipads, and its very own submarine.

Not from an oligarch, but the first ever superyacht seized by the FBI was this $250 million vessel belonging to a friend of Leonardo Di Caprio – The 300-feet long yacht has gold leaf and marble interiors, a spectacular spa, a movie theater, and a 66-feet long swimming pool.

Maintaining the seized superyachts is becoming a huge problem for Italy, from scraping the hulls of the mammoth vessels daily to constantly running the air-conditioning units to paying the crew. Officials are now worried that these costs may exceed the value of the vessels.

The shipyard that built Jeff Bezos’ megayacht has completely transformed this Saudi billionaire’s $100 million superyacht. He got his vessel extended by 10 meters to include a 23-foot-long infinity pool, a beach club, a climate-controlled winter garden, & a lot more.

While France and Spain enthusiastically seized luxury yachts worth billions, they are now asking their sanctioned oligarch owners for money to maintain their arrested vessels.

At $620 million, Project Azzam will dwarf Roman Abramovich’s yatch

The late American billionaire, who funded Google and Amazon in their early days, owned the ‘Dr No’ yacht. Originally a fisheries training ship, the vessel was tastefully converted into a luxury explorer vessel, featuring a diving center, a submarine, and a lavish master suite.

The Barbie mania continues: Baltic Yachts has announced an 80-foot-long sailing yacht in pastel pink.

While Roman Abramovich may be pleading with his rich friends for money now – Back in the day he casually spent $55,000 just to fly sushi from his favorite London restaurant in a private jet for himself and his friends in Azerbaijan.

While Jeff Bezos is spending billions to launch his own satellite internet service to compete with Elon Musk, his own $500 million megayacht Koru openly flaunts antennas from Musk’s Starlink.

World’s First Commercial-Use Ammonia-Fueled Vessel Receives ClassNK Certification

China’s Largest Ports Set To Establish Green Shipping Corridors

French Navy Destroys Bomb-Carrying Drone Boat & Rescues 29 Crew From Attacked Oil Tanker In Red Sea

Houthi-Hit Oil Tanker Carrying 1,50,000 Tonnes Of Crude Poses Environmental Risk In Red Sea

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

In the world of soccer, Roman Abramovich is a popular figure as he owns the leading English club, Chelsea. The Russian businessman helped the Blues become a big spender in the transfer market, bringing brilliant players like Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, etc. to offer the beautiful game to club supporters across the world.

In addition to the Chelsea football team, which is a beauty on soccer fields, Abramovich owns another marvel: a private yacht named Eclipse.

The 162.5m-long beauty Eclipse is the world’s second-largest and one of the most expensive superyachts. Its estimated cost is 590 million (€340 million), and its current owner has owned it since December 2010.

A synonym for luxury, this superyacht is best suited for all adventure and water sports activities and provides splendid trips to cultural and historical destinations.

Built by renowned German shipbuilder Blohm + Voss, the Eclipse was launched in June 2009 after five years of design, development, and testing. Before its final delivery, several sea trials were conducted starting in May 2009 at Kristiansand, Norway.

When delivered, Eclipse won the spot for the largest superyacht in the world, beating the 162m-long M/Y Dubai of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Eclipse retained the title until the arrival of the 180m-long Azzam, UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s private yacht in 2013. Currently managed by Blue Ocean Yacht Management, Eclipse was selected as the Motor Yacht of the Year in 2011 at the World Superyacht Awards.

Specifications of Eclipse Yacht

As mentioned earlier, this tremendous superyacht measures 162.5m (533’1″ft) in length, 22.00m (72’2″ft) in width and 5.90m (19’4″ft) in the draft, offering a vast area for luxurious leisure activities. The Bermuda-flagged Lloyds Register class yacht has a Gross Tonnage of 13000 tonnes.

Eclipse is powered by a diesel-electric, dual propulsion system with four MTU 20V 1163 TB93 marine diesel engines, offering the latest propulsion technology for maximum speed performance. These engines power the rotating Azipod drives, giving the yacht a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruise speed of 22. Featuring 1,000,000 litres of fuel tanks, Eclipse can travel up to 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots before refuelling. The boat also can store about 150,000 litres of freshwater abroad.

Interior and Exterior Design

While Blohm + Voss provided the naval architecture, Terence Disdale Design carried out the superstructure design of the Eclipse. The UK-based award-winning firm was also responsible for interior design, deck layouts, and construction supervision.

Incidentally, the vessel’s construction was performed with great secrecy, and due to this reason, the project was named Project Luxury Yacht M 147 throughout the construction period. However, the details of the technical design and construction of the yacht have not been revealed to the public; the design and layout are available for people to marvel at.

Divided into nine decks, the top deck of Eclipse is taken up by the helicopters and garage. The swimming pool and sundeck go on level eight, while level seven features a pool, atrium and an open deck. The salon, main dining hall and a 40ft X 60ft full-beam loggia are located on the sixth level, and the fourth floor features the main entrance of the yacht. While the next level of the yacht divides the cabins and suites of the owner, guests and crew, the second deck of the vessel acts as a docking port for the submarine. Level one accommodates the engine room, machinery, and a small disco club.

The superyacht with a displacement steel hull has an aluminium superstructure, while its decks become magnificent, featuring teak woods. To offer a smooth cruising experience, the yacht features an ultra-modern stabilization system that minimises the roll motion effect and is equipped with ‘at anchor stabilisers’ to increase comfort when the boat is stationary. Featuring the Art Deco interior design, with an innovative, technology-rich environment and the use of soft metallic fabrics, Eclipse offers a splendid living experience for its owner. With diverse facilities across the decks, the yacht meets the optimum standard of offering a leisure time platform.

The entire yacht has been bejewelled with features to make it more luxurious. Spread across many decks, Eclipse facilities abroad include a gym, dance floor, underwater lights, beach club, wifi connection, beauty salon, tender, garage, deck jacuzzi, etc. Further, the Eclipse holds two helipads and a 16 m swimming pool that can be converted into a dance floor. This motor yacht can accommodate three helicopters, two on both helipads and the third one in a storage hangar below the foredeck. Moreover, Eclipse also flaunts internal lifts, six tenders and an exterior fireplace on-board. The boat also features a place for a three-person private submarine that can go up to a depth of 160ft.

Eclipse is also one of the most technologically advanced yachts around the world. The boat boasts the latest technology safety features, including motion sensors, bulletproof glass and antiballistic missile defence. In fact, each cabin in the yacht comes with a private 6ft home cinema screen, a Jacuzzi, a spa and specialized security systems. According to reports, Eclipse has an anti-paparazzi system that detects the use of digital cameras to click photographs of the boat. Using lasers, the system detects digital cameras and disrupts a potential picture of the yacht, as those infrared lights can make it unstable.

Accommodation

The yacht has 11 staterooms and suites, totalling 6000 square feet. With this facility, Eclipse can house 30 guests and a 92-member staff crew abroad. The master suite, located on level five of the yacht, is 5000 square feet alone. In addition, the boat also has a pilothouse on level seven.

With all these facilities incorporated, maintaining the Eclipse is not a less expensive matter. An annual expense of over $60 million is reportedly required to maintain this luxury boat. According to media reports, Abramovich charges its customers around £ 175,000 to rent the vessel for a day.

About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.

Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox

Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Subscribe to Marine Insight Daily Newsletter

" * " indicates required fields

Marine Engineering

Marine Engine Air Compressor Marine Boiler Oily Water Separator Marine Electrical Ship Generator Ship Stabilizer

Nautical Science

Mooring Bridge Watchkeeping Ship Manoeuvring Nautical Charts Anchoring Nautical Equipment Shipboard Guidelines

Explore

Free Maritime eBooks Premium Maritime eBooks Marine Safety Financial Planning Marine Careers Maritime Law Ship Dry Dock

Shipping News Maritime Reports Videos Maritime Piracy Offshore Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) MARPOL

Take a closer look at Russian oligarch's $700 million superyacht that is one of the largest in the world

Roman Abramovich had seemingly scrambled to avoid sanctions from the UK by moving his superyachts.
One of those is The Eclipse, which cost $700 million to build and was once the biggest in the world.
That yacht was once in New York City and we took some photos.

Like other Russian oligarchs, Roman Abramovich had seemingly scrambled to avoid sanctions and that included quickly moving his superyachts to more friendly waters.

Many of the 55-year-old billionaire's assets — such as the Chelsea Football Club and several homes — have been sold or frozen since Russia launched an unprovoked war on Ukraine, Bloomberg reported .

While Abramovich couldn't move the Premier League football club Chelsea FC and sold the $3 billion club , his yachts are another matter.

Abramovich's 553-foot-long flagship is The Eclipse, estimated to have cost $700 million when built. After sanctions were initially dropped by the UK against Abramovich, his second "smaller" $600 million superyacht, Solaris, left Barcelona, Spain, and moved to friendlier waters in Turkey.

Solaris was joined in Turkey by The Eclipse, which arrived from the Caribbean .

While the superyacht Eclipse was photographed in Turkish waters in early August , it was once docked at Manhattan's Pier 90, and Robert Johnson was able to get some pictures. Take a tour of the superyacht below.

Robert Johnson contributed to this post.

Just south of this public parking lot on the roof of the Pier 90 terminal in New York City sat Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's flagship yacht, the "Eclipse."

536-feet long and styled after military vessels.

The 2010 Eclipse cost $700 million and was the world's largest yacht when built.

The vessel has amenities to rival any ship on the sea — like its own mini submersible, perhaps similar to this— able to dive down 150-feet.

The Eclipse has two helipads.

Bulletproof glass and armor plates wrap the length of Roman's master suite and the bridge.

And a German-built missile defense system.

The ship's also supposed to have a laser defense against paparazzi trying to photograph the yacht's guests, but saw no evidence of the device when we were there.

The Eclipse has three launch boats.

That looked to be stocked with medical supplies and a variety of handheld radios.

From the cruise ship parking lot it felt like we were almost on the Eclipse itself.

But with little chance we'd be invited aboard through the ship's door here ...

... We hoped to find one of the 70 crew members required to sail the Eclipse and see if they'd tell us what ship life was like.

But we found no one interested in talking.

But we certainly didn't feel like paparazzi, or that we'd be lasered, when we were in the parking lot tourists use when they arrive to board their cruise.

From up here, the ship was simply stunning and the amount of work required to keep her that way apparent.

The Yacht Report says owning a superyacht costs about 20% of the ship's initial value every year.

But experts believe that Roman probably pays $75 million a year to run the private cruise ship with 24-guest suites.

Looking at the layout of the ship gets us talking about the two swimming pools inside, the disco, cinema, hair salon, and restaurant.

The billionaire's guests would use this door to enter any fore part of the deck.

Perhaps noting where the life rings were as they made their way about the ship.

At 13,000 gross tons, the Eclipse was, at the time, the largest vessel to use a special stabilization system to keep it calm in rough waters while anchored or moving slowly through the sea.

Roman faced a $150,000 tab for parking the Eclipse in New York City while possibly visiting his daughter and her new baby — about $2,000 a day.

A large yacht like the Eclipse can hold over 100,000 gallons of fuel.

Depending on the current price of fuel, a five-hour cruise each way could cost about $30,000.

None of those numbers are likely to concern Roman Abramovich, however, who has an estimated net worth of nearly $8 billion.

Source: Forbes

Here is some drone footage of the superyacht.

You can see interior photos of the luxury yacht at Boat International

Step on board the 162.5m Eclipse - the second largest superyacht in the world

Main content

Eclipse Yacht: The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht ($1.5 Billion)

Eclipse Yacht Facts

Yacht Name: Eclipse Yacht Length: 162 m (533 ft) Guests: 36 in 18 cabins Crew: up to 96 Displacement: 13,564t Builder: Blohm & Voss Year:- 2010 Yacht Cost: US$ 590 million Yacht Current Value: USD $1.5 Billion Yacht Owner: Roman Abramovich

Some of the most expensive boats in the world are yachts . Yachts are a sign of extreme wealth and luxury. And the $1.5 Billion Eclipse is the best of the best! It is the most expensive private yacht in the world and owned by the super glamorous Russian billionaire businessman – Roman Abramovich.

This article discusses the world’s most expensive private yacht, who owns it, the luxuries that it holds, and how it functions.

Following are some interesting facts about the world’s most expensive private yacht ‘Eclipse’

What it is and who owns it.

Eclipse which has the full name of M/Y Eclipse is a luxury motor yacht. A Russian businessman named Roman Abramovich owns it. He is the 11th richest person in Russia and the 140th richest person in the world. He is best known as the owner of the Chelsea Football Club. Chelsea FC is a premier league football club which is famous all over the world.

Abramovich has a net worth of 11.5 billion dollars. What is not known that popularly about him is that he is the owner of the world’s most luxurious and expensive private yacht.

Eclipse was delivered to Abramovich in December of 2010. It was built in Germany by a Hamburg-based company called Blohm-Voss. Eclipse is the world’s most expensive yacht with an estimated cost of 340 million euros or 590 million dollars.

About the Yacht Eclipse

The yacht is a total of 162.5 m in length and 22 m in width. It has a draft of 5.90 m. This makes it the second-largest yacht in the world. It provides a lot of space for leisurely activities, is suitable for almost all adventure and water sports, and is also capable of offering trips to several cultural and historical destinations all over the world. It has several features.

It is interesting to know that the yacht eclipse also has two helicopter pads on it. There are 24 guest cabins, several hot tubs, a disco hall, and even two swimming pools. It also contains a gym, a dance floor, underwater lights, a Beach club, a beauty salon, a Wi-Fi connection, a tender garage, and a deck jacuzzi. The swimming pools on the yacht can be converted into a dance floor. Even though the yacht has two helicopter pads, it can accommodate three helicopters as it has one storage hanger below the foredeck. There is also an exterior fireplace on board the yacht.

Eclipse is also a very technologically advanced boat. It has the latest technology features like motion sensors, anti-ballistic missile defense, and bulletproof glass.

As stated, before it has 24 guest cabins. Each of these cabins has a private 6 feet home cinema screen, a spa, a jacuzzi, and specialized security systems. It is believed that the boat also has an anti-paparazzi system. The system can detect the use of digital cameras for taking pictures of the boat. It is capable of disrupting a potential photograph of the yacht using infrared lights with the help of lasers.

The yacht is also equipped with three launch boats. It also has a mini-submarine which can submerge up to 50 m or 160 feet underwater. The yacht requires about 70 crew members for its proper operation and to serve the guests.

The yacht is also equipped with a missile detection system for security.

It has also employed a rotor-based stabilization system. It works against roll motion at anchor and low cruise speeds. It is based on the Magnus effect. Eclipse is the largest vessel in the world to have employed such a system.

The yacht is a Bermuda Flagged, Lloyd Register class yacht. It has a gross tonnage of 13,000 tonnes. The yacht offers the latest technology for propulsion and maximum speed performance. It also has an installed diesel-electric dual propulsion system with four MTU 20V 1163 TB93 marine diesel engines.

Also read: The Mysteries Of The Bermuda Triangle

The yacht can attain a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruise speed of up to 22 knots. It also can carry 1 million liters of fuel in tanks and can travel up to 6000 nautical miles at the rate of about 21 knots before it needs to be refueled. The boat can also store nearly one fifty thousand liters of fresh water on board.

The submarine of the yacht can accommodate up to three people and can go as deep as 160 feet underwater, as previously stated.

The boat has a total living area of 6000 square feet. There are 11 staterooms and suites on it. It can accommodate up to 30 guests and a crew of 96 staff members. Out of the 6000 square feet of area, the master suite alone is spread over 5000 square feet. On the seventh level of the boat, there is a pilothouse.

Being a boat with so many features, one can only imagine what the cost of the maintenance of it would be. As one would expect, the maintenance of the Eclipse is costly.

According to a report, the yacht requires more than 60 million dollars for maintenance every year. The per-day rent of the boat is around 175,000 pounds.

History of the Eclipse Yacht

As mentioned before the yacht is owned by Roman Abramovich, a Russian businessman. Eclipse was delivered to Abramovich in December of 2010. It was built in Germany by a Hamburg-based company called Blohm-Voss.

The yacht arrived for sea trials at Frederikshavn in Denmark in September 2009. The first-ever pictures of the boat were taken on 9 December 2010.

Terence Disdale Design carried out the superstructure design of the yacht. The same company was responsible for the interior designing of the yacht, layouts of the deck as well as supervision during its construction.

This yacht was constructed in great secrecy. At the time of construction, it was known as Project Luxury Yacht M 147 for the same reason. The details of the technical designs and construction of the boat have still not been revealed to the public. The only thing that is accessible to the public is the design layout.

Outer Port Limit: Definition & Importance

Outer Port limit (OPL) is the limit of a port’s jurisdiction or control in a harbor or coastal area. Ports often have defined areas within which they exercise authority and provide services to ships entering or departing the port. The outer port limit could mark the boundary beyond which ships are considered to be in…

What is Marine Insurance? Types & Policies

What is Marine Insurance? According to Marine Insurance Act, 1906: “An agreement whereby the insurer undertakes to indemnify the assured, in the manner and to the extent thereby agreed, against incidental to marine adventure. It may cover loss or damage to vessels, cargo or freight.” Marine insurance is a type of insurance that provides compensation…

The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Incident

Exxon Valdez oil spill was one of the worst accidents involving ocean oil spill. Today, we will uncover the true story behind it. The indispensability of oil in our day-to-day lives is unquestionable. The number of industries that are heavily reliant on oil as their source of fuel is vast. But what comes as a…

Top Container Terminal Operators in the World

Container terminals are very vital in this maritime industry as many facilities are being provided at the terminals and most of the part of the shipping can be done at the container terminals like packaging, loading-unloading, storing containers for some time and repair. Hence management and operating of these container terminals is a challenging job….

What Are Bulk Carriers?

What Are Bulk Carriers? Bulk carriers, as the name suggests, are the kinds of ships that are used to transport bulk cargoes over large distances. They are also called as bulk freighters or bulkers. They are merchant ships and usually contain cargo such as coal, cement, ore, grains, sugar, or any other material which is…

Different Types Of Maritime Crimes

A maritime crime is defined as any criminal activity carried out at sea. These criminal activities can be directed at vessels, could violate international laws or coastal state’s sovereignty, or simply be the use of sea vessels for illegal activities. Maritime crimes are a major setback for the marine industry as almost 80% of the…

Boat Reviews

Boats Specs
Marine Pros
Boat Insurance
Boat Warranties
Boat Transport
Boat Towing
Marine Forecasts

Your Ultimate Boating Resource

Eclipse Yachts

1997 Eclipse 39 TR SF
1996 Eclipse 39 TR SF
1995 Eclipse 39 TR SF
1994 Eclipse 38 TR SF
1993 Eclipse 38 TR SF

Overview of the 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325

Overview of the 2024 parker offshore 2900 cc, what your boat’s beam is and why it matters, power cats of 2024: ultimate guide to the top power catamarans this year, navigating the heat: 10 safety tips for a safe boat ride in the summer heat, what type of wood is used for pier pilings, what is the difference between a dock and a floating pier, what is the proper technique for pulling a beginner wakeboarder, what does ‘no wake’ mean on a lake, what is the difference between wash and wake, highs, lows, and tidal know-how: a deep dive into ocean currents, 10 essential tips for fishing near private property, the benefits of using a drift sock: guidance for anglers, lure fishing: secrets for imitating live bait and attracting fish, explore the untapped depths of america’s best bass fishing spots, outboard motor maintenance: tips for keeping your engine in top shape, the essential boat tool kit: tools every boater needs, diy boat building: 8 tips and tricks for building your own vessel, the art of miniature maritime craftsmanship: ship in a bottle, antifouling paints: a guide to keeping your boat shipshape, beginner’s guide to standup paddle boarding: tips and techniques, boating for fitness: how to stay active on the water, kayak safety: how to stay safe on the water, anchoring in a kayak or canoe: how to secure your small boat, overview of the 2024 yamaha 252sd, overview of the 2024 tiara yachts 48 le, overview of the 2024 bass cat jaguar sts, 2024 pursuit os 445: an overview, 2024 aquila 47 molokai review, 2024 sea-doo switch 13 sport review, gear reviews, megabass oneten max lbo jerkbait review, fortress anchors fx-7 anchoring system review, fortress anchors fx-11 anchoring system review, fortress anchors commando anchor kit review, fortress anchors aluminum anchors review, stay in touch.

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LUXURIOUS YACHT - Abramovich spends million euros on fuel in Dubrovnik

The Eclipse yacht owned by Roman Abramovich came to the Port of Gruz to fill up on fuel. It seems that around 750 tons were ordered, which is more than a half of the capacity of the fuel tank. The cost – around million euros – reports Dubrovacki.hr . Meaning that by the time the Russian's yacht was half full Croatia had earned 250,000 Euros in VAT.

The super-long yacht of 163 meters worth 340 million euros was purchased by the Russian billionaire owner of Chelsea FC in 2010. It weights around 13 thousand tons, width is 21 meters and the annual maintenance costs are around 30 million euros. Yes, you need deep pockets for this kind of nautical pleasure.

The yacht can host 62 guests and 70 crew members and it has swimming pools, saunas, movie theaters, jewelleries, hairdressing centers, kindergartens, restaurants, clubs and even a hospital.

Additional equipment includes two helicopters, submarines, rocket radars, rescue boats and many other insurance systems. It would seem that Abramovich didn't cut any corners when fitting out his favourite super yacht.

The Voice of Dubrovnik

Find us on Facebook

How Much Fuel Does a Yacht Use? An In-Depth Analysis

When it comes to luxury and adventure on the high seas, yachts are the epitome of both. Whether you’re a yacht owner or dreaming of chartering one for your next vacation, understanding the fuel consumption of these majestic vessels is crucial. Fuel usage not only impacts the cost of your journey but also has environmental implications. In this article, we dive into the factors affecting yacht fuel consumption and provide insights to help you estimate how much fuel a yacht uses.

Understanding Yacht Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption in yachts is influenced by several factors, including the yacht’s size, engine type, cruising speed, and conditions at sea. Here, we break down these elements to give you a clearer picture.

Yacht Size and Engine Type

Yachts come in various sizes, from smaller 40-foot models to massive 100-foot plus luxury liners. Generally, the larger the yacht, the more fuel it consumes. Engine type also plays a significant role. Traditional diesel engines are common, but newer models may feature more efficient or hybrid engines that can impact fuel usage.

Cruising Speed

Speed is a significant factor in fuel consumption. Higher speeds increase resistance in the water, requiring more power and, consequently, more fuel. Cruising at a yacht’s optimal speed, often referred to as the “hull speed,” can help maximize fuel efficiency.

Conditions at Sea

Sea conditions can also affect fuel consumption. Smooth, calm waters allow for more efficient travel, while rough seas can increase fuel use due to the additional power needed to maintain speed and stability.

Estimating Yacht Fuel Consumption

While it’s challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all answer due to the variables involved, we can offer some general guidelines. On average, a yacht might use between 20 to 100 gallons of fuel per hour. Smaller yachts, such as those around 40 feet, tend to be on the lower end of the scale, consuming about 20 to 40 gallons per hour. Larger vessels, which are over 100 feet, can consume significantly more, sometimes exceeding 100 gallons per hour, especially at higher speeds.

Example Calculations

Let’s look at an example. For a 70-foot yacht cruising at a moderate speed of 20 knots, fuel consumption could be around 50 gallons per hour. If you’re planning a 100-mile journey, at 20 knots, it would take you approximately 5 hours. This means the total fuel consumption for the trip could be around 250 gallons.

Tips for Reducing Fuel Consumption

Cruise at Efficient Speeds: Find and maintain your yacht’s hull speed for optimal fuel efficiency.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the engine and hull in top condition to reduce drag and ensure the engine runs efficiently.
Plan Your Route: Opt for the most direct route and consider current sea conditions to minimize unnecessary fuel use.
Lighten Your Load: Only carry what you need for your journey, as extra weight can increase fuel consumption.

Understanding and managing fuel consumption is crucial for any yacht owner or enthusiast. By considering the factors outlined above and implementing fuel-saving strategies, you can enjoy the luxury of yachting more sustainably and cost-effectively. Whether planning a short excursion or a long voyage, a careful consideration of fuel use will enhance your experience on the water.

Remember, every yacht is unique, and so is its fuel consumption. For specific figures, consult your yacht’s manual or speak with a marine professional who can provide insights tailored to your vessel. Enjoy your time at sea, and sail smartly!

Listing your boat with Yachtlify provides several unique benefits, including:

List once, post on multiple platforms (Yachtlify.com, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and others).
Schedule showings and sea trials with our calendar and reminders.
View listing engagement analytics across platforms.
eSign, state forms, and Coast Guard forms to manage closing documentation in once place.

2005 Couach 114ft / 34.7m

ECLIPSE Yacht Charter

ECLIPSE currently registered in Jamaica is actively available for charter.

The luxury motor yacht ECLIPSE was built by Couach and delivered to her owner in 2005, she later underwent a refit in 2020.

The exterior of ECLIPSE is designed by Couach.

Charter guest accommodation

ECLIPSE has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 charter guests in 5 suites.

The guest cabins comprise 5 cabins with a queen size bed and en-suite bathroom facilities.

Your luxury charter crew

Your luxury charter on board motor yacht ECLIPSE will be managed by the crew of 5 including the captain.

The crew will ensure you have a relaxed and enjoyable charter experience with all of your needs catered for while on board.

The 5 crew have their own separate crew quarters allowing guests to enjoy increased levels of privacy.

Amenities & Entertainment

Amenities on board for the charter guests include Air Conditioning, BBQ, Outdoor shower, Indoor audio system, Jacuzzi on deck, Swim platform, TV saloon and Wi-Fi.

An extensive list of further amenities and water toys can be seen under the features and amenities section.

Yacht charter destinations

ECLIPSE is Currently cruising in the Caribbean.

Sample itineraries for the cruising destinations can be supplied by your professional charter broker allowing you to plan your luxury yacht charter vacation in detail.

Windward Islands
Leeward Islands
Air Conditioning
Outdoor shower
Indoor audio system
Jacuzzi on deck
Swim platform
Floating mats
Jet Skis (standup)
Paddleboards
Tube - towable
Water skis - adult

Jacobus (Jaco) Pieterse

Captain Jacobus Pieterse spent his childhood growing up grew up along the ocean and in the city in his native South Africa. He originally hails from Empangeni, which is a city in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, approximately 157 kilometers north of Durban, set in a hill countryside, overlooking a flat coastal plain and the major harbour town of Richards Bay which is 16 kilometers away, A very friendly, easy going and accessible person, everyone just calls him JACO (pronounced Yako). Besides swimming, Jaco excelled at rugby and boxing as a youth. His love of the water moved him on to a yachting career, he now has 30 years of experience on the water, from chartering, diving, and delivering yachts, both power and sail. Jaco is an easy to talk to person, who has a sense of adventure and relishes exploring new places. He spent a lot of time cruising the Indian Ocean, which he loves for its vast unspoiled areas. He arrived to Saint Maarten about 6 years ago and has been cruising the local waters there ever since. The area has become a home of sorts, and Jaco has designed interesting venues for all types of guests, depending on what they want to do, be it intensive watersports, horse back riding, touring, or just quiet pristine places to relax. He feels the service on board should tailor to the guest’s preferences. From a friendly casual atmosphere to a refined discreet silver service, Jaco will deliver what fits! His motto is “Be honest and real to yourself and others”. His straightforward enthusiasm and attention to details ensures an excellent charter on board Yacht Eclipse!

MARCO DE VILLIERS

Marco is from Welkom, South Africa. He and his 2 brothers spent time on the farm and in the city growing up. As a child Marco pursued soccer and motor cross, and enjoyed a lot of fishing. In 2018 Marco decided it was time to see more of the world, and he followed his curiosity and love of the ocean to begin sailing. He decided he really liked yachts and watersports and has been working aboard various vessels ever since. His travels introduced him to one of his favorite locations, The Bahamas. There he was able to hone his yacht and water based skills and learn more of the beautiful underwater world. Besides his love of the ocean, Marco is a musician and DJ, Besides being there to assist in watersports and adventure, he will see that the music and fun is just right for guests aboard. He is a friendly, hardworking, and helpful part of the Eclipse crew! His motto is the “Life is amazing and is what it should be!”

MERUGIA VELDKAMP

Marugia is from The Netherlands. An adventurous soul, she spent time in Australia acquiring skills that have been a great aid to her job on board Eclipse. She has been waitress, hostess, barista, and bartender and also worked as a housekeeper and a social counselor. Some of her favorite activities are water sports, singing and Salsa dancing! But, do not let that sweet demeanor fool you, as this athletic young lady is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do! Marugia started working on Eclipse as the second stewardess, but her job performance and dedication now have her in the position of Chief Stewardess. She always looks forward to hosting and serving the guests aboard!

Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

How much to charter eclipse.

ECLIPSE has a weekly charter price starting at $75,000 and an estimated daily charter price of $12,500.

How many guests on board ECLIPSE?

ECLIPSE can accommodate 10 sleeping guests on board in 5 cabins, with the ability to cruise with up to 10 guests and entertain groups up to 10 guests while at anchor or moored at a marina.

Legal Disclaimer

Motor Yacht ECLIPSE is displayed on this page for informational purposes and may not necessarily be available for charter. The yacht details are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed, please check with your charter broker. Charter Index does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or images displayed as they may not be current. All yacht details and charter pricing are subject to change without prior notice and are without warranty.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

The yachting industry has no global listing service to which all charter yachts must subscribe to, making it impossible to ascertain a truly up-to-date view of the market. Charter Index is a news and information service and not always informed when yachts leave the charter market, or when they are recently sold and renamed, it is not always clear if they are still for charter. Whilst we endeavour to maintain accurate information, the existence of a listing on Charter Index should in no way supersede official documentation supplied by the representatives of a yacht.

Specification

Yacht name	ECLIPSE
Speed (cruising)	42.6kph / 23kn
Speed (max)	55.6kph / 30kn
Fuel consumption (max)	567.8lph / 150gph
Range (max)	1852km / 1000nm
Engine	2 x MTU V 16 motors of 2400 CV each 2 x Kohler 55 generators
Hull	Monohull
Flag	Jamaica
Launched	2005
Refitted	2020
Builder	Couach
Designer	Couach

Popular related yachts

Charter & Brokerage
Yacht Design & New Builds
Tenders & Toys
Superyacht Events Calendar
Career & Training
Departments
Superyacht Crew Finances
Sustainability
Shipyards and Marinas
Health & Wellbeing
Polar Region
Our Services
Meet the Team

Yachts And Fuel – How Much Do They Really Consume?

Fuel is one of many annual running costs of a yacht. Not only does the yacht need fuel for cruising; the generators require it to keep the vessel running while at anchor and underway. As well as this, many of the water sports toys require it too.

Some yachts cross the Atlantic Ocean twice a year between the Mediterranean and Caribbean while others embark on world cruises. That equates to a lot of fuel.

So How Much Do They Really Consume?

According to the Yachting Pages, the longest Superyacht in the world, 180m M/Y Azzam, holds 1,000,000 litres of fuel. To put it into perspective, that is the equivalent of filling a regular hatchback car 23,800 times. Or, six Boeing 747 commercial airliners.

West Nautical’s Vessel Manager, Tony Hildrew, a former Yacht Chief Engineer said:

“Fuel is the single biggest expense when it comes to yacht operations, it is estimated that the global spend on fuel is around $150bn annually however this shouldn’t put you off, there are a number of ways to ensure your fuel consumption doesn’t get out of hand. Implementing a Ships Energy Efficiency Management Plan or SEEMP for short is a great way to keep fuel costs down without compromising on your cruising experience.”

Each yacht will consume fuel differently for a number of reasons. It could be the size and make of the engines. Or, how often the yacht is using generators. As well as the number of tenders and water sports toys on board that require fuel. For example, if the yacht is out at anchor and running on generators 90% of the time, the fuel consumption will be much higher than a yacht that is in a marina at night and connected to shore power and water.

Another factor that will affect fuel consumption is the yacht’s itinerary. This is because the sea conditions will impact how much fuel the engines consume.

How Is Consumption Measured?

You will be able to input the start and ending points of your cruise on the map. This will automatically update the distance table. The next step is to enter the speed, fuel consumption and cost of fuel per litre to determine the cost of the trip.

Here is an example: A fast 30m yacht cruising at 20 knots will consume roughly 400 – 500 litres depending on the engine type. This would equate to the total consumption of 2500 litres for a distance of 100 nautical miles.

Another example is, a 70m yacht looking to travel 100 nautical miles with the engines burning 1000 litres per hour would add up to a total consumption of 8335L for that passage. Depending on where the yacht bunkered, the estimated cost with the price per litre being on the low end at €0.90 per litre would cost a total of €7501.50. An example of a 100 nautical mile passage would take you from Saint Tropez to The North Coast of Corsica.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fuel prices fluctuate depending on which country you bunker in and some places you bunker offer tax free fuel such a Gibraltar and Montenegro. Fuel prices can vary but typically costs between €0.80 and €1.30 per litre.

Yacht charter, sales and management company West Nautical added:

“Fuel costs should be at the top of any yacht owner and captain’s minds for two reasons: to minimise costs as well as reduce the environmental impact of burning unnecessary fuel. The superyacht charter market, more than most other markets, relies on pristine waters for their guests to enjoy their holiday. If the oceans in popular charter destinations are not maintained, it will decrease the demand for yacht charter and therefore the revenue for owners.” “If you are looking for expertise in operational management and engineering in order to plan a SEEMP, West Nautical would be delighted to assist.”

About West Nautical

West Nautical sell, charter and manage superyachts from their head office in Newcastle upon Tyne. The business currently employs a team of 21 staff throughout their offices based in the UK, Russia, France and Cyprus.

Since their inception over 25 years ago, West Nautical have become recognised as one of the most respected, trusted, knowledgeable and accountable professional services firms in yachting – largely due to their relentless determination to act in our clients’ best interests. Their approach and attitude is transparent, refreshing and focused on providing value-added services delivered simply, elegantly and affordably.

Visit West Nautical’s website here: https://westnautical.com

For Media enquiries please contact sarah.mackenzie@westnautical.com

To keep up to date with the latest Superyacht Content News, click here .

Newsletter Signup

Your Name First Last
Your Email *

West Nautical

Related articles, a scotland trip for superyacht tenders. trying out the nautique range, tender of the week: maori 54, tender of the week: maori 46, q&a with sober crew social club. where sober doesn’t have to mean boring.

Superyacht Content

Social media influencer and digital brand expert.

Superyacht Content brings you the latest in social news for the superyacht industry.

Keep up to date with us across our social channels, and don’t forget to hit that share button!

Superyacht News
Superyacht Jobs
Superyacht Marketing

Join our Newsletter

Privacy | Credits | Get in Touch

Do you operate a yacht? Our app is perfect for you

Yacht fuel cost calculator - how to estimate the costs.

Yacht captains have many responsibilities when it comes to the management of their vessel. One of them is keeping track of expenses, which is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the vessel’s operational costs. Keeping a luxury superyacht afloat isn’t cheap, and many claim that the average annual cost ranks up to 10% of the vessel’s price.

From these expenses, a significant portion goes to fuel. Filling up the tank of your boat is quite pricey, which is why a growing number of boat owners want to know exactly how much they are looking to spend for their upcoming voyage. This is also important for people who want to charter a boat for their holiday.

If you’re wondering how to best estimate the costs involved, you’re in the right place. This article will help you calculate your vessel’s yacht fuel cost while giving an overview of all the criteria used as variables. To make the process even easier, we link to a yacht fuel cost calculator to help you get an indication of the expenses you’ll need to cover. Let’s delve in!

Yacht fuel cost calculator

How to estimate yacht fuel costs, how much fuel does a yacht use.

Price of boat fuel per gallon?

Yacht fuel formula

The easiest way to calculate your fuel costs is by using a yacht fuel cost calculator. There is a great calculator available here in case you want to save time and get an approximate estimation.

As you can see, the yacht fuel cost calculator has many variables which you need to be aware of before you set out to calculate the approximate price. This is what we will be dealing with in the next few chapters.

To help you get a better understanding of the calculation process we will do things manually while giving you the exact formulas used to calculate your vessel’s fuel needs. Therefore, make sure you keep on reading.

There are several things you need to keep in mind when you first set out to estimate the total fuel cost for your next voyage. These are summarised in the following points:

Distance of journey - The total amount of nautical miles (or km)
Cruising speed - The (average) speed of your vessel (in knots or km/hr)
Fuel consumption - Understanding how many gallons (or liters) of fuel are consumed per hour
Yacht fuel price - Understanding the average market price per gallon of fuel

The first two points depend solely on your needs and personal preference, which means that they are more flexible on a subjective basis. The latter two points may require a bit of research, especially if you’re not familiar with the engine of the vessel.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of the points mentioned above, and offer the required formulas to help you calculate yacht fuel cost.

Calculating distance and speed

To understand the exact distance you are looking to cover in your next voyage, you can simply use Google Maps to plan your route. The following video explains the process in detail.

As soon as your route is planned out, you can measure the distance as well, selecting the preferred method of calculation. In our case, it is best to measure in nautical miles (1nm=1,85km), as this metric is more commonly used among sea men. The yacht fuel cost calculator above has an embedded map that helps you pinpoint the journey you want to make.

Next comes the cruising speed. The number is mostly calculated in knots (nautical miles/hr). The speed with which the vessel will cruise depends on the captain onboard, but is often influenced by the owner and guests onboard. You can make a rough estimation of this number based on previous trips.

Next, we need to calculate the amount of fuel that you will likely need. To do this we need to understand the engine type, its horsepower, and several other factors.

Let’s take a marine diesel engine for example. These engines are very common on motor yachts and consume approximately 0.4 pounds of fuel per hour for each unit of horsepower. You can find fuel consumption info for your specific engine by looking it up on the web or by calling the service number.

Once you know the fuel burn rate, it’s best to add a relative error margin of 10% based on minor factors. These include weather conditions, vessel size, and drag, all of which can increase the fuel burn.

How much fuel does a yacht use per hour?

Now that you know all the variables you can go ahead and calculate the amount of fuel that your yacht will need.

Start by calculating the fuel burn per hour based on the horsepower of the engine.
Add a multiplier based on the cruising speed of your vessel.

A vessel with a diesel engine of 300 horsepower will most likely burn 16-17 gallons per hour, which you can then use as a guideline when calculating the travel time based on the nautical miles you are looking to cover.

Superyachts are consuming much more fuel. An average 70-meter luxury yacht will burn around 130 gallons per hour with the engines running, while the amount increases significantly when the ship is moving. On average, you are looking at ±€2000 per hour (±1000 gallons) to achieve a speed of 20 knots. Of course, the higher the cruising speed, the more fuel you will be burning per hour, which in turn makes each hour at sea more expensive.

How much does boat fuel cost per gallon?

The exact price you are looking to pay per gallon depends on the marina you find yourself in. By looking at several price points of marinas, we get the following:

Average diesel prices range from $3.2-$3.9 per gallon
Average petrol prices range from $7.2-$7.8 per gallon

Note that discounts usually apply whenever you choose to purchase large quantities of fuel.

Why is boat fuel so expensive?

Marine fuel pricing is heavily inflated due to low supply and high demand. In short, the limited number of fuel stations at marinas have to service all the yachts that dock, which leads to a no-choice monopoly.

That said, yacht owners are usually not that concerned about the small price spike that marinas charge as an extra. If anything, they are happy to pay due to the convenience of the service.

How much fuel does a yacht hold?

Once again, the answer to this question depends on the size of the vessel. Smaller yachts can hold around 1300 gallons of fuel, while the bigger vessels can store up to 100,000 gallons. The ship’s engineers should be able to provide this number for the vessel you command.

Now that we have a better understanding of all the variables that determine the cost of fuel, we can go ahead and take you through the calculation process step by step.

First, know the total duration of your cruise. To obtain this information, divide the number of nautical miles by the cruising speed of your vessel (knots). For example, if you want to make a journey that totals 150 nautical miles while traveling at 20 knots, the yacht fuel formula looks as follows:

Total duration = 150 nm / 20kn

Total duration = 7,5 hrs

Note that the amount of fuel consumption may end up higher than expected if:

Sea and weather conditions are not favourable
You plan to make short stops along the way while the engine keeps running

Next, what you want to do multiply the number of hours by the number of gallons that your engine burns on an hourly basis while moving at the speed you previously indicated. If we take, as an example, the superyacht mentioned in the previous examples, we would make the calculation as follows:

7,5 hrs x 1000 gph = 7500 gallons

Now assume that you will also make two stops along the way, an hour and a half each, in order to let the guests enjoy their time; maybe ride a jet ski.

You then multiply the added number of hours with the consumption rate of a running engine. In this case:

3 hrs x 130 gph = 390 gallons

All that is left to do now is add up the total amount of fuel needed and multiply the number with the price per gallon.

(7500+390) x $3,5 = $27615

In this example, the final cost of your will set you back a little bit more than 27 thousand dollars. Just to be safe, calculate the additional 10% (margin of error) to be prepared against unexpected mistakes. This added amount is not necessarily an ad-on when you consider chartering. Private yacht owners, however, should add the amount to their final cost.

And that's it! You should now have a better idea on the steps you need to follow to calculate the fuel costs for your yacht. While there is quite a bit of information you should keep in mind, it is best to plan out everything with detail to avoid unforeseen costs. If you enjoyed this article, check out our blog post on yacht electrical systems as well.

New Feature: Comprehensive Operator Manuals and Maintenance History PDF Export

Buying a Yacht
About Yacht Charter
Event Charters
Destinations
Charter Catalogues
Yacht Management
Charter Management
Sale Management

Length: 43.00m - 6 cabins

Shipyard: Feadship Holland. U.a.
Built year: 1993
Refit year: 2018
6 550 000 €

Description

Eclipse: a worldwide known yacht This yacht is very well known in the entire world for her charter activity and her clean deisng realised by the English designer Terence Disdale. Perfectly maintained by her owners and her first class professional crew, Eclipse is a yacht that will give you an entire satifsation. As a dignified representation of the Feadship shipyard, she will allow you to sail across the ocean and in high seas with ease and speed. Discover right now what this exceptional mega yacht is able to offer. An immaculate decoration tastefully refitted. How to not succumb to Eclipse’s charm, a yacht tastefully decorated and refitted? Inaugurated in 1993 and refitted in 2018, this superyacht of 43 meters stands out not only by her striking and clean lines but also by her furniture and immaculate decoration. In addition, she offers spaces with impressive dimensions and unexpected for a vessel of this size. Modern equipment and all comfort. Eclipse is a yacht particularly well thought with her decks distributed over three levels. You will appreciate especially her big sea terrace equipped with an impressive Jacuzzi. The aft deck half-covered, next to the sky lounge, is ideal for a meal outside. Similarly, you will enjoy her entertainment equipment at the forefront of technology available in the living rooms and guests’ rooms. This yacht for sale possesses five private cabins with generous proportions, welcoming up to 10 guests on board, and a cabin with pullman, which can welcome 2 more guests. Please note that the swimming platform at the rear was conceived to offer an easy access to the sea as well as the water toys. Finally, a stabilisation system reduces the side rolls of the yacht Eclipse, giving you an incredible level of comfort at anchor or in navigation. It is without a doubt that she is, at the moment, one of the most beautiful yachts of her category available for sale. Eclipse associates prestige, comfort and all of the commodities of a classic yacht with the charm of a modern yacht, notably thanks to her two annexes (type of amenities that you find generally only on vessels of a bigger size). Communication: - Satcom and cell phone/fax - Wi-Fi is available in all the yacht (1024kB) - Possibility to make Skype video calls and FaceTime directly from the deck. - Guest laptop with printable options Gym Equipment: - Elliptical bicycle on the solarium - Yoga mat - 5kg weights - Equilibrium plank High-end performances: Eclipse is a yacht made of a steel hull and a aluminium superstructure: those characteristics allow wide spaces but also a more stable anchoring. Propelled by two caterpillar engines, she sails comfortably at 12 knots and can reach a maximum speed of 13 knots. She has as well a range to up to 4,376 miles thanks to her fuel tanks of 56,800 liters.

Specifications

Renovation year: 2018
Length: 43.00m (141.04ft)
Beam: 8.40m (27.55ft)
Draft: 3.10m (10.17ft)
Caterpillar 3508
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Maximum Speed: 14 knots

Accommodation

Number of Guests: 12
Number of cabins: 6
Double cabins: 3
Twin bed cabins: 2
Stabilisers underway: yes
Stabilisers at anchor: yes
Jacuzzi: yes
Gym/sport equipment: yes
Number of crew: 10
Fuel consumption: 330 l/h
Building materials: Steel
Yacht location: Malta

Are you interested in this Yacht? Our team is at your disposal to answer all your questions!

You may also be interested in

Your source for the latest news on yachts, boats and more. Read through our articles to find out how to compare boats and find the right fit for you!

Measuring your Yacht Fuel Consumption per Hour

Oct 10, 2019

less than a min

Measuring your Yacht Fuel Consumption per Hour

How to measure your yacht fuel consumption per hour

Yachts are quite similar to other vehicles in the sense that they work through fuel. Similarly to any other vehicle, it is important to calculate the yacht fuel consumption per hour before you plan a trip or before you purchase a vessel. Fuel consumption is also a good comparison base between boats. Whether before going on a trip, or buying a yacht, you need to have all the facts straight and know how much money you are going to invest not only at once upon purchase but also periodically.

There are different factors in the fuel consumption of a yacht. For example, if you use a generator or if you stay at anchor instead of docking, the fuel consumption will be increased . The itinerary will change fuel consumption as well. Sea is different than roads and the conditions in a sea change more dramatically than on land, which also impacts fuel consumption.

Fuel consumption for boats is measured in gallons per hour . The efficiency of boat fuel is measured in pounds of fuel that are used in an hour per horsepower. In order to be able to read the calculation right, any boat owner should know that gasoline is almost 6.1 pounds per gallon while diesel is 7.2 pounds per gallon .

Usually, if you consider that all sea conditions are pristine, the fuel consumption of a normal diesel engine is 0.4 pounds per hour for each unit of horsepower.

How to calculate yacht fuel consumption

Calculating it by hand is complicated, which is why many people choose to use online calculators . The way it works is it allows you to put down certain parameters that calculate the fuel consumption. These parameters include route , units of measurement and engine power .

Lastly , what most people are interested in is actually the cost of fuel consumption per hour. So the last parameter to include is the current price of fuel . Marine websites usually include this price up to date.

Another step that people have taken is develop a boat fuel consumption chart for their own boat and find the average in a month.

Alternatively, there is a formula that calculates the maximum fuel consumption of the engine which is:

GPH = (specific fuel consumption x HP) / The specific weight of fuel

This formula determines the fuel consumption when the engine is at full speed . If the speed is decreased then the fuel consumption is decreased as well. Basically, what you need to do is include the horsepower rate of the boat and you multiply it by the specific fuel consumption average and you divide that product by the weight of the fuel.

If you want to compare your boats GPH with other boats than you can use TheBoatDB database. If you already have a boat you can register for free and compare it with other boats within the database.

These are simple methods to calculate fuel consumption, however for a precise one you would have to know all the specifics of your boat and put the parameters through the calculator.

You might like these too

What is a Chine on a Boat lg ...

Oct 01, 2021

Flat Bottom Boat Advantages lg ...

Sep 30, 2021

Shoal Keel Sailboats Advantages and Disadvantages lg ...

Sep 13, 2021

Shallow Draft Boats Explained lg ...

Sep 06, 2021

Best Boat for Open Ocean Sailing lg ...

Aug 27, 2021

Best Boat Design for Rough Water lg ...

Aug 25, 2021

Visit our Popular Forums

Monohull Sailboats
Multihull Sailboats
Powered Boats
General Sailing
Antares Yachts
Fountaine Pajot
Lagoon Catamarans

Cruising Business

Boat Classifieds
General Classifieds
Crew Positions
Commercial Posts
Vendor Spotlight

Life Aboard a Boat

Provisioning: Food & Drink
Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat
Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun
Boat Ownership & Making a Living
Liveaboard's Forum

Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling

Seamanship & Boat Handling
Training, Licensing, & Certification
Health, Safety, & Related Gear
Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape

Engineering & Systems

Const. / Maint. / Refit
Product / Service Reviews
Electronics: Comms / AV
Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar
Lithium Power Systems
Engines & Propulsion
Propellers & Drive Systems
Plumbing / Fixtures
Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails
Aux. Equipment & Dinghy
Anchoring & Mooring

Recent Photos

		> >

Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums.

17-07-2017, 07:23
Boat: "Wanderlust" -- 1999 Jefferson Rivanna 52'	and costs and was so stunned by the results that I decided to share. We have a 42' 1986 Chris Craft aft . She weighs in at 36,000 lbs and has been repowered with 330 hp Cummins 6BTA diesels. In May, we took her from near Tampa, FL to the for a two week trip. During that trip, there were stretches near bridges, , and no-wake zones where we were at minimum wake speeds but most of the time we ran her at cruising speed of 2300 , which works out to about 19 mph on plane. The trip was 501.6 miles long. Some of it was Intercoastal waterway and some was open Gulf waters. We used 693 gallons of for a cost of 1925.89. This worked out to 14.6 gallons per hour or about .7 miles per gallon. Overall, we were pretty pleased. Then we got home and started looking at the log book entries. By the time we motored in and out of or , passed through no wake zones, etc, we were averaging about 9.9 mph for the whole trip. Really??? After discussing with a couple of friends, we decided to do a test. We filled her up, did 86 miles in two day trips, and then filled her up again. During the day trips, we ran the engines at "cruising" speed of 2300 for about five minutes to blow out the turbos but otherwise kept the speed at about 1400 rpm, which yielded 10 mph with some trim tabs engaged. When we refilled, we took in 43 gallons. This worked out to 4.9 gallons per hour or 1.58 mpg! The two day cruises were less noisy and almost... serene. We still got to our destinations without a significant delay and still had a great time. So, we took the slower burn rate and recalculated the recent Keys trip. If we had used the same approach as the two test trips, we would have used well under half the fuel and would have saved nearly $1100!!! We were pretty shocked. John

17-07-2017, 07:39
Boat: FP Belize Maestro 43 and OPBs	But yes, running at speed (8-9 knots) will only use a fraction of the fuel you use pushing at twice that speed.

17-07-2017, 08:01

Boat: "Wanderlust" -- 1999 Jefferson Rivanna 52'

speed (8-9 knots) will only use a fraction of the fuel you use pushing at twice that speed.

17-07-2017, 08:16
	speed. ut it does sound you are doing pretty good MPG in the scheme of things. - Elmore Leonard

17-07-2017, 08:25
	at 7 knots or 2600-2700rpm our 100hp burns around 3gph. If I take my time and go 5 knots at 1800, it burns about 1gph. I do revv the once an hour five times to plow out the soot. It's a big difference, especially when talking about a long run.

17-07-2017, 08:49
Boat: SAnta Cruz 27

17-07-2017, 09:05
Boat: Custom 41' Steel Pilothouse Cutter	speeds of 7-8 knots. The last 1.5-2 knots are fantastically expensive compared to the first five or six. At five knots in flat , I can a 16 ton sailboat (steel hull) with a 60 hp naturally aspirated 2433 cc on about .75 gal/hour. A fraction of your burn, but it's also a sailboat! Most makes have a fuel map where you can find the sweet spot for fuel economy. How that translates to speed is a function of drag, prop and sea state. . Can't sleep? Read for fast relief. Can't read? Avoid , because it's just personal reviews of sea books.

17-07-2017, 09:27
Boat: Lord Nelson 41	costs you fuel. That is just the . As others have mentioned, the drag increases with speed, displacement is preferable to being on a plane... you therefore also pay additionally for speed. If you were motoring at 3-5 knots with one engine, you likely would also save on fuel mileage. Your choice of conditions.

17-07-2017, 09:45
Boat: bare boat charter world wide	..,,, We used 7 to 7.2 gallons of fuel for each of the two weeks. Most of that up the every day ( 1400 rpm). We motored a few times for short passages ( 2300 rpm). Fuel guage was still on Full at the end of both charters. We topped off the fuel before returning the to Conch Charters. All that being said.....we have been doing this sailing for many, many decades, our bodies are getting old , well sort of, and feel we still have a couple of years of sailing left in us...I am 77. However, we are both very fit, and stay that way, but the joints are creaking a bit. They get louder when I am wearing my hearing aids. But, I am also interested in fuel bills ( general ides ) for , oh maybe 35 foot vessels, that are comfortable for us entering geezerdom. Twin screw, and able to 15 knots or so. I really like the sleek looking super fasts, like the sea rays, but those are totally out of our range. For distance covered, a from to ( 26 miles ) would be about one or two miles......a sailing vessel is a case of and quart of . Actually, we save our partying until we are on a , anchored or in a slip. But, that is a pretty good analogy. Keep the fun light illuminated

17-07-2017, 10:36
Boat: Island Packet 38	on our last trip where I ran reduced motorsailing a lot, and the numbers are astonishing to me.

17-07-2017, 10:59

Boat: Beneteau 393 "Sea Life"

John

17-07-2017, 11:35

Boat: "Wanderlust" -- 1999 Jefferson Rivanna 52'

17-07-2017, 12:29
Boat: None at this time, still looking for my next great looper	type vessels and found myself passed once or twice daily by the " Go Fasters". Usually would end up in same area at late afternoon. They would brag about being there 2-3 hours earlier then me. At some point I would approach them with the subject of fuel usage, and they would be amazed at my much lesser burn rate. I would generally travel at 7-8 knts and they would run between 15-20 knts. My savings was $1000's of dollars difference by running in a sensible manner. it's about the adventure, not the trip!

17-07-2017, 14:27
Boat: Island Packet 35	(daily log), it really helps to keep the temptation to throw the throttles forward the next day.

17-07-2017, 14:41
Boat: Island Packet 38	have tiny rudders compared to say a sailboat

Thread Tools

Rate This Thread
:

Posting Rules
post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
	sailjumanji	Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar	21	09-05-2021 14:33
	nryder64	Great Lakes	1	17-10-2015 19:09
	NotRealAccount1	Dollars & Cents	12	04-07-2014 14:43
	Seif	Powered Boats	11	18-10-2012 08:35


No Threads to Display.

- - - - - - -

Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time.

Welcome to the West Nautical Fuel Calculator

HOW TO USE:

To plot points on the map, click with your mouse - this will automatically update the distance table. Then enter the speed, fuel consumption, and fuel cost to determine the total cost of the trip.

Example 1: A fast 30m yacht cruising at 20 knots ( Lady Amanda ) will consume roughly 400-500 l/hour (more depending on engine type).

Exampe 2: A typical displacement yacht may cruise at 12 knots and consume 300 l/hour

Example 3: Some yachts can cruise at 10 knots ( Firefly ) and consume 100 l/hour

Example 4: A sailing catamaran can cruise at 8 knots and consume around 35 l/hour

Fuel prices can fluctuate, but typically fuel is between €0.8 - €2.2 per litre.

Get in touch with one of our client managers for a more accurate fuel distance calculation.

0 Fuel Consumed (L)
0 Total Cost

ECLIPSE | Yacht for charter

LENGTH 21.07m	GUESTS 4	CABINS 2
SHIPYARD	YEAR 2008	CREW 2

WEEKLY CHARTER RATE

Low season € 16.000

High season € 18.000

Enquire about this yacht

Please contact us if you wish to charter this yacht for a short period.

Yacht charter area

YACHT CHARTER">Italy - Amalfi Coast
Italy - Pontine Islands
Italy - Sardinia
Italy - Tuscany
Italy - Sicily & Aeolian Islands
Italy - Liguria & Cinque Terre
France - French Riviera
CORSICA YACHT CHARTER">France - Corsica

With its elegant and sleek design Azimut 62S Eclipse, 21 meters, embodies the perfect encounter of technique, space and design. This vessel boasts enough space and amenities to provide a luxury stay to up to 4 guests. Embellished with leather and wood details, Azimut 62S Eclipse has three rooms, one reserved for the stewardess, therefore two available for the guests: a spacious stateroom with bathroom and a VIP stateroom bow side with twin bed convertible in two single beds and bathroom. All the rooms boast air conditioning and SAT TV with SKY channels.

The large salon area with sunroof has a comfortable sofa with table that can function as dining table, 42” TV with SKY channels and Bose bluetooth sound system. Azimut 62S Eclipse offers an outdoor table with a cozy sofa stern side and a large lounge area bow side. The beach to the stern is very spacious, allowing for easy access to the water. The tender is parked into the vessel’s inside garage.

YACHT‘S SPECIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL DETAILS

SHIPYARD	YEAR 2008 - Refit 2016	MODEL Azimut 62S
LENGTH 21.07m / 69.1ft	WIDTH 4.90m / 16.1ft
GUESTS 4	CABINS 2	CREW 2
CRUISING SPEED 20 Knots	FUEL CONSUMPTION 220 Litres/Hr	MOTORIZATION 2 X CAT 1015 HP

Tender 3,40 mt with 15HP outboard
Snorkeling equipment

enquire about this yacht

Speak to a consultant, enquire now "eclipse".

Please send us an Email with any questions, inquiries or requests. Our Team will respond to your message shortly.

Work & Careers
Life & Arts

Superyachts aim to go green — but at what cost?

Superyachts aim to go green — but at what cost? on x (opens in a new window)
Superyachts aim to go green — but at what cost? on facebook (opens in a new window)
Superyachts aim to go green — but at what cost? on linkedin (opens in a new window)
Superyachts aim to go green — but at what cost? on whatsapp (opens in a new window)

Victor Mallet

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

It is hard to think of a more visible manifestation of great wealth and excessive consumption than a superyacht, as Russian oligarchs have discovered to their cost, following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

As western governments began detaining these very obvious luxury assets at harbours and shipyards around the world in successive rounds of economic sanctions aimed at Moscow, the targeted billionaires directed crews to steer the vessels to safe havens such as the Maldives in the Indian Ocean or Turkey in the Mediterranean. Roman Abramovich’s 163-metre Eclipse, one of the world’s largest superyachts and estimated to cost more than $1bn, found refuge in the Turkish port of Marmaris.

Long before the latest Ukraine war, however, the superyacht industry faced a problem unrelated to any support the ships’ wealthy owners may have provided to warmongering authoritarian regimes: their impact on the environment and the impression they gave that the rich could not care less about climate change.

Most superyachts — typically defined as a leisure vessel more than 30 metres or 100ft in length — are essentially motor vessels like small cruise liners, catering to proprietors or charterers and a few pampered guests. The biggest have helicopter pads, swimming pools and gyms as well as luxury suites. Some even have mini-submarines.

Roman Abramovich’s 163-metre superyacht Eclipse

Very few are sailing yachts, and most of them consume vast quantities of diesel. Only now are manufacturers starting to develop new technologies such as hydrogen-powered electric propulsion that will cut emissions.

In the meantime, building the boats, operating them and, eventually, scrapping them all have a damaging effect on the environment. The same is true of aircraft and cars, but the very visibility of superyachts in tourist hotspots, makes their ecological footprint an increasingly sensitive topic. The global fleet has grown more than sixfold since 1985 to reach more than 5,200, according to Superyacht Times . And the fleet cruises the world’s vulnerable oceans.

“For sure, now it’s really high up the agenda — there’s been a fundamental shift,” says Monaco-based superyacht designer Espen Oeino, who reckons it is only in the past few years that most proprietors have really started to pay attention to yacht emissions. Clients ask him what can be done to reduce energy consumption onboard, both for propulsion and for the so-called “hotel load” of air-conditioning and other services, and even how to build the boat in the first place in a responsible way.

Norwegian superyacht designer Espen Oeino

Rob Doyle, another naval architect who designs superyachts and is based in Kinsale in Ireland, agrees that more owners are beginning to take notice of the need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment, though many are still concerned about the cost. “There is still a huge amount of greenwashing,” he says. “You look at the magazines and you’ll never see a bad superyacht.”

And bad they often are. Research by anthropologists Beatriz Barros and Richard Wilk of Indiana University into the carbon footprints of the super-rich found that yachts contributed an outsized share of the carbon emissions of the billionaires who own them — far more than their private jets or mansions.

For former Chelsea Football Club owner Abramovich, for example, of the 31,200 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent he is calculated to have emitted in 2018, no less than 22,400 tonnes came from his yachts. Yacht emissions for Bernard Arnault, owner of LVMH and France’s richest man, accounted for nearly 9,000 tonnes of his total of 10,400 tonnes.

There are other ways for the wealthy to be embarrassed by their superyachts. Dutch shipyard Oceanco is facing resistance from angry locals after asking the city of Rotterdam to temporarily dismantle the old Koningshaven Bridge so that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s new three-masted vessel — this one is a sailing yacht costing hundreds of millions of dollars — can reach the port and the open sea.

But the impact on the climate is still the environmental whale in the room for yacht owners, builders and designers: Bill Gates and Elon Musk are both big carbon emitters, but their 2018 numbers were much lower than those of their fellow billionaires because they did not have yachts, the Barros-Wilk paper showed.

The accelerating effort to green superyachts reflects similar moves in the aircraft and vehicle industries to adopt new technologies and systems that help to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions and other pollution.

For superyacht designers and builders, the process starts with the shape of the hull or hulls, because there are few things so wasteful of energy as pushing a heavy metal or composite vessel through a fluid as dense as water. For both Oeino and Doyle, this search for what Oeino calls the “geometry of an easily driven hull” means looking at multihulls (catamarans or trimarans) for the next generation of big yachts, because they are designed to skim along the surface of the sea rather than laboriously plough through it, even if there are obvious constraints on weight and what you can do with the interior space.

Next, propulsion. There are already diesel-electric boats in service, which use diesel generators running at optimum revolutions (more economical, less polluting) to power electric motors, and, in future, the idea is to run the electric motors with the output from hydrogen fuel cells.

Then there is the electricity needed for the yacht’s hotel load, principally air-conditioning and the making of fresh water from seawater, but also lights and other electrical systems. Solar panels can produce some power but rarely enough even to run a present-day superyacht at anchor, so to charge batteries and run the boat, some other form of carbon-free electricity generation is needed to replace the diesel generators widely in use today.

For Barros and Wilk, none of this can justify owning any kind of superyacht. They write: “While many billionaires have taken pro-environmental actions in their personal lives or their corporate connections or donate money to climate change organisations and purchase carbon offsets, none of these actions actually ‘cancels out’ their total emissions. A 90-metre yacht can be touted as energy efficient or environmentally friendly but, as critics of ‘eco-chic’ point out, it is still a huge waste of resources, a frivolous luxury in a warming world.”

But the industry is trying. Doyle’s answer, developed by his own firm and Van Geest Design, is Domus (“home” in Latin), a project for a 40-metre sailing trimaran described as “the first truly zero-emission yacht” over 750 gross tonnes, which would generate electricity to charge its batteries from solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells and its own propellers acting as dynamos when the boat is sailing.

“It came out of a conversation we had with a client,” says Doyle. “We proposed this project with fuel cells, and regenerative sailing. It’s silent . . . people just want to listen to the water and the wind coming across and not have the hum of generators or the whiff of diesel.”

People just want to listen to the water and the wind coming across and not have the hum of generators or the whiff of diesel Rob Doyle, yacht designer

Hydrogen propulsion is in its infancy for mass transport. The gas is difficult to store, though it can be made from methanol, and there is, as yet, no distribution network for the fuel. But the interest in hydrogen is just one sign of how the yacht industry is hunting for ways to lower emissions in the years ahead as the pressure from regulators — and public opinion — increases.

Oeino notes that in some places, including the World Heritage Site fjords such as Geirangerfjord in his native Norway, rules limiting emissions are already in place and becoming stricter, and will help to force the pace of the greening of ships and yachts.

The first systems for big yachts to be fully powered by renewables are likely to be the tenders, the smaller boats that ferry people to and from the shore, which are already starting to shift to electric propulsion, and the equipment that contributes to the hotel load when the ship is stationary. Hotel loads can, in any case, be reduced by sensible design and operation, given that indoor superyacht spaces are heavily air-conditioned all the time despite owners and guests spending a huge amount of their time outside, on deck.

Transocean travel with zero emissions is a much bigger ask, says Oeino. “A lot of stuff is already being implemented, but the full electric big yacht with zero emissions is still not a reality,” he explains, because it is impossible to store or produce enough energy onboard.

“It will be a combination of things that will bring us all to lower emissions and eventually zero emissions.”

‘Yachts for science’ can be a breakthrough for explorers

For yacht owners who feel guilty not only about their environmental footprint but also about how little they use their expensive boats, Rosie O’Donnell has the perfect solution: Yachts for Science .

YFS, which its co-ordinator O’Donnell describes as “a dating agency, almost like a Tinder for the sea”, is a platform to match idle yachts and their crews with scientists in search of a vessel that can reach remote areas and allow them to research everything from coral reefs and manta rays to great white sharks. In some cases, the owners and their families like to be on board for the ride.

“It’s for people who want to be a bit philanthropic so they have got something more to talk about than sitting on the back of their boat in St Tropez drinking cocktails,” says O’Donnell. “It’s about making the ownership more worthwhile.”

The idea of YFS fits with the trend among yachtowners to commission robust so-called expedition or explorer yachts that can travel long distances, to the Antarctic for example, rather than being satisfied with something that will buzz at high speeds around the resorts of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.

“The yachting industry is always looking for ways to reinvent itself,” says Dominic Byrne of Arksen Marine , a builder that backs YFS and is building a new range of high-tech motor yachts. “People are looking to go further afield, and they are looking to do it in an eco-friendly way as much as possible.”

This article is part of FT Wealth , a section providing in-depth coverage of philanthropy, entrepreneurs, family offices, as well as alternative and impact investment

Climate Capital

Where climate change meets business, markets and politics. Explore the FT’s coverage here .

Are you curious about the FT’s environmental sustainability commitments? Find out more about our science-based targets here

Promoted Content

Follow the topics in this article.

Cars, bikes, planes and boats Add to myFT
Luxury goods Add to myFT
Climate change Add to myFT
Pollution Add to myFT
Emission standards Add to myFT

CruiseMapper
Ships and Lines

Cruise Ship Engine Power, Propulsion, Fuel

These are some of the most interesting cruise ship technology-related data and facts - engines , power , marine propulsion systems , fuel consumption of cruise ships , and something about pollution (in-article navigation links).

In 2020, IMO (International Maritime Organization) implements its global 0,5% sulfur cap on marine fuels. If not using scrubbers (pollution control devices), owners of older vessels must use as ship fuels either MGO (marine gas oil), ECA Category Fuels (low sulfur MGO), new modified fuels and blends, LNG (liquefied natural gas) or electric/battery power . Each fuel option is based on vessel type and age, routes/itineraries and powerplant. Most newbuild passenger ships are LNG-powered . World's largest seaports plus numerous smaller ports already have installed shoreside power capabilities providing shore-to-ship power supply to berthed vessels. In many ports, shorepower is in addition to LNG bunkering capabilities.

Cruise Ship Engine

Without a source of power, these huge cruise vessels would be nothing more than drifting aimlessly hotels. A large number of older ships use diesel reciprocating engines for generating power for propulsion. Cruise ship engine power is supplied through the transmission to the propeller shafts. These transmissions determine the revolutions of propellers. Modern ships use either diesel-electric engines or gas turbines as a source of power for propulsion, and for ship's systems. Some of the larger ships depend on two power sources - one for electrical power and one for propulsion.

Gas turbine engines (being aero-derivative) generate heat which is transformed from mechanical energy into electricity. To achieve this, compressed air is fired in a combustion chamber. Hot exhaust is made over a turbine that spins to drive mechanically a shaft. The power can be used to spin the generators. The same way works diesel-electric engines, yet they use a direct drive system, not a turbine. The output shafts, to produce electrical power, are connected to generators.

Both engine types need a lot of fuel. Cunard QE2 , for example, consumes daily 380 tons of fuel when traveling at 29 knots speed and carries fuel enough to sail for 12 days. Usually, ships fill up at various seaports and use fueling barges as floating gas stations. Vessels use lower-grade diesel which tends not to burn as purely as diesel-powered road-going vehicles.

All ships rely on propellers/screws to be pushed through the water, providing forward and reverse motion. Airplanes, for example, require tremendous propeller speeds to provide the forward motion, but ship propellers don't need to turn so fast and rely on torque power. Therefore, ships travel slowly and rarely top 30 knots (for more info follow our speed-link above).

Cruise ship engine room

The basic detail about the cruise ship engine room is its location. For stability, the ship's heaviest weights are at its lowest possible deck, and usually, engines are mounted above the keel. Ship's lowest decks are almost entirely full of machinery. An area creating enough power for driving such an enormous vessel through water needs to be really big - very often engine rooms occupy at least three decks. Rather than long halls stretching the length of hulls, machinery is almost always divided into smaller compartments - one for the main engines, another for the heating/air-conditioning system. This compartmentalization is for safety reasons. If a penetration to the hull or fire happens, multiple compartments help contain the damage. The next photo shows the engine room of RCI's Oasis-Class vessels.

Rarely, engines are not placed at the ship's bottom. RMS Queen Mary 2's four main diesel engines are above the keel, with two smaller gas turbines on top-deck (aft of the funnel). It was not unusual for older liners to have 2 engine rooms. Gradually, technology allowed the consolidation of these spaces. However, current maritime legislation requires vessels to have equipment duplication and 2 engine rooms.

In May 2015, Wartsila Corporation and Carnival Corporation partnered to optimize cruise ship engine room operations of all 101 ships across the corporation's 9 brands. The deal was signed by Micky Arison (Carnival's Chairman) and Bjorn Rosengren (Wartsila's President and CEO). The plan included installing Wartsila's latest marine solutions, first tested on several Carnival Cruise Line vessels in pilot projects. The new systems and technologies included engine control and monitoring systems, safety and fuel efficiency equipment.

Wartsila's "Asset Performance Optimization Solution" package allows obtaining optimal performance from Wartsila marine diesel engines, recommends how to deal with potential issues, maximizes ship performance, ensures full-capacity systems operations, increases the predictability of fuel management and maintenance needs. Wartsila's fuel engine package was specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption.

Wartsila Marine technologies aim to optimize ship performance, but also allow to locate deviations from normal parameters of equipment and engines. This allows emerging problems and engine fault sources to be fixed before they occur.

Conventional diesel cruise ship engine

Today's direct-drive diesels feature one main advantage - the option to use a shaft generator, which is a device using the circular motion of the propeller shaft in order to generate the electricity needed for hotel services, like cooking and lighting.

Shaft generators can be used only while the ship is moving with a fairly constant cruising speed. This is what the NCL Epic cruise ship engine looks like:

Diesel-electric cruise ship engine

Almost all new ships feature a diesel-electric propulsion form. On these ships, main engines are not connected to propeller shafts, and instead of it they are directly connected to big generators in order to produce electricity, which is sent in turn to electric motors, that then power and help turn the propellers. The main advantage of the diesel-electric cruise ship engine systems is efficiency as they allow main engines to operate near the most efficient speed, no matter if the ship is moving at 5 or 25 knots.

Losing electrical power is devastating to ships. Main engines and generators require electricity and it's needed to keep them going. Pumps that are driven electrically take in cold ocean water to cool the engines and electrical pumps get fuel from fuel tanks and supply it to the engine. Electrical power is vital for many operational functions - without it, ships come to a halt.

Large equipment (propulsion motor, bow thrusters) requires electricity of high voltage. As for smaller machinery (cabin lights, galley equipment), the electricity goes through the transformer and is thus stepped down into lower voltage. Large cables snake through all the ships to distribute electrical power. They carry power from generators to switchboards, through passageways, public rooms, crew and passenger cabins. Cabling can be a weak point in the distribution system. If the electrical cables aren't truly redundant, even ships that feature two engine rooms suffer power failure.

Carnival Vista-class cruise ship engine MAN Diesel 14V48/60CR

While ships are docked, generators and main engines produce more power than needed. They are turned off in port, and smaller generators supply "hotel" loads (lights, air-conditioning, galley, etc.). Moving through water takes up the vast majority of the ship's power needs - about 85% of all the diesel-electric powerplant production is consumed by the propulsion system. The above photo is of the Vista-class Carnival cruise ship engine room. The engine type is "MAN 2 times; 14V48/60CR" (common-rail diesel injection system):

Cruise ship Emergency Generators

All ships are supplied with emergency generators to maintain vital electrical power. Backup generators are located higher up and also outside engine room spaces to isolate them from damage or fire.

cruise ship Emergency Generator Wartsila

Big ships require much power, so they might have more than one emergency generator. Despite that, they don't have the capacity of main generators and engines, don't produce electricity enough to move the ship, and can't supply all the power needed in ports, because of constraints in space.

cruise ship Emergency Generator Room scheme and location

Emergency generators are instead used only for essential navigation systems - crucial communication equipment, critical pumps in the engine room, emergency lighting. Should they also fail, vessels are required to have a battery backup. 24 hours of power are at least provided by battery rooms to the smaller emergency equipment list.

Carnival cruise ship Emergency Diesel Generator

Probably you've heard about Carnival cruise ship accidents related to power failures in 2013. At our Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades link you can learn how CCL battled with this "unmaintained ships" image and implemented revolutionary new technology initiatives fleetwide - including an additional emergency backup generator on each of their vessels.

Cruise Ship Propulsion

The new cruise ship propulsion systems ABB Azipods XO (below photo) are more fuel-efficient than traditional systems, also providing better maneuverability, maximizing speed, reducing bad emissions, which as a whole optimizes ship's performance and enhances passenger safety.

ABB Azipod propulsion systems have a major impact on the vessel's operating efficiency - reducing energy consumption and bad emissions by up to 20%.

In 2019, ABB signed a deal with Oldendorff Carriers (1921-founded, Germany's largest bulk shipping company with a fleet of ~700 ships) for the supply and installation of Azipod propulsion systems on two newbuild carriers. Both self-unloading dry bulk vessels were China-built (by Chengxi Shipyard Co Ltd / subsidiary of CSSC) and scheduled for deliveries in 2021. Each vessel was fitted with two Azipods (power output 1,9 MW per unit) plus various related electric and digital solutions (powerplant, diesel-electric generators, bow thruster motors, transformers, switchboards, power management system, ABB Ability global ABB real-time monitoring).

Azipod cruise ship propulsion system

Azipod cruise ship propulsion system is situated outside the hull in the aft of the ship. Azipod turns in all directions (360 degrees) by a rudder, providing thrust in any directions, not possible for conventional systems.

See at the first photo at right RMS Queen Mary 2 's propulsion system scheme.

Cunard RMS Queen Mary 2 cruise ship propulsion infographic

QM2's Azipod is actually an electric propulsion system consisting of the following main components:

Propulsion motor - used to produce or drive thrust. The propeller's rotating is powered by an electric motor.
Supply transformer - power produced by generators is 6600 KV, which is stepped down to the necessary voltage by supply transformer and is provided to the motor in the pod.
Frequency controller - used to change the frequency of supplied power so that the rotating motor speed can be controlled.

Azipod marine ship propulsion is a combination of both steering and propulsion systems. Conventional marine propulsion systems use a two-stroke engine connected to a shaft, that passes through a stern tube and shaft tunnel to connect to the propeller outside the hull in the ship's aft/stern. This system's steering is done by a rudder (in the propeller's aft).

Royal Caribbean Oasis-class cruise ship propulsion (azipod thruster ABB)

The above photo shows Oasis-class ship propulsion Azipods (2 units) before being mounted onto the hull. The next photo shows the Azipods (both units) mounted on the hull.

The 3rd Oasis-class ship - Harmony of the Seas, is currently the most technologically advanced and energy-efficient cruise vessel ever built. It is equipped with a new-generation exhaust gas cleaning system (multi-stream scrubbers) and also features a hull lubrication system allowing the ship to float on air bubbles (created around the hull) thus reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

However, the steering and propulsion systems in Azipod arrangement, are combined into one part and the system consists of a propeller (driven by an electrical motor) turned by a rudder connected to the azipod system. The motor is inside the sealed pod and connected to the propeller.

The following YouTube video is about ABB Azipods installed on the new Genting Hong Kong vessels (Star Cruises' new ships and on Crystal Cruises' polar-class boats).

These ships incorporate a complete ABB propulsion - Azipods, electric power plant, computer automation, and software. Crystal cruise ships are powered by two "Azipod D" units allowing navigation in polar destinations. Each of the Star Cruises "Global-Class" vessels have three "Azipod XO" thrusters. All ships have installed ABB's "Intelligent Maneuvering Interface" and the "OCTOPUS" software optimizing fuel consumption and energy management. All these ships were constructed by the German shipbuilder MV Werften. Currently, almost 2/3 of all large-sized cruise vessels, icebreaking ships, and high ice-class cargo ships are with Azipod propulsion.

Advantages of Azipod propulsion marine systems

A lot of space is saved by the Azipod cruise ship propulsion system in the engine room - there is no propeller, engine, shafting or other arrangements. This saved space can be used for storing cargo.
Great maneuverability - the propeller can turn in all directions and enables crash maneuvering stop distance that is better than the conventional systems.
Azipod cruise ship propulsion system can be placed below the ship's height and provide more efficiency than conventional systems.
In case the ships have large breadth, two (or more) azipod systems, independent from one another, can be used to provide subtle maneuvering.
Side thruster's use is eliminated as pods can be used to provide side thrust.
Low lube oil and fuel consumption.
Lower vibrations and noise than conventional systems.
Because emissions are low, it's environment-friendly.

Disadvantages of the Azipod marine propulsion

It requires great initial cost.
Many diesel generators are needed for producing power.
The power produced by the motor is limited - the maximum available power now is 21 MW.
Azipod cruise ship propulsion systems can't be installed in heavy cargo ships that need large motors and a lot of power.

Royal Caribbean Quantum-class cruise ships propulsion

In April 2012 ABB made a USD 60-million contract to provide the Azipod propulsion systems for the new Royal Caribbean ships of the Quantum-class (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation) and Quantum Plus-class (Pulse, Passion). The former name of this vessel design was "Project Sunshine". Builder is Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany).

ABB also supplies the power generation, distribution systems, bow thrusters, and of course, the 2 x 20,500 kW propulsion Azipod XO units (at the photo at right), transformers and drives.

NCL Epic ship pod-propulsion

When entering service in 2004, the Cunard's QM2 was the biggest in the world at 150,000 GR tonnes. Her designer Stephen Payne showed the advantages of pod-propulsion giving vessels increased maneuverability. The propellers (screws) of the QM2 ship are mounted on the pods which rotate 360 degrees and provide advanced maneuverability. He made the choice to put pods - though relatively new and yet untested for big ships. Royal Caribbean vessels of Oasis, Freedom, and Voyager classes have pod-propulsion as many other big ships, which is opposed to the fixed traditional screws which push in one direction only.

An interesting fact about cruise ship propulsion is that Norwegian Epic doesn't have pods, though slightly bigger than Queen Mary 2 (at 153,000 GR tonnes), because of NCL concerns about the new technology. Some of the lines (including Celebrity and Cunard) have suffered vessel breakdowns due to pod-bearing failures. Lots of voyages had to be canceled, extensive dry-docking periods were required for pod bearings to be replaced, and NCL didn't want to take the risk.

Currently, NCL Norwegian Epic has two rudders with conventional non-Azipod screws. But how does she manage to maneuver if they can push in one direction only? One option is to make them bigger and more effective when maneuvering, another is to add additional mini-pods or install full-sized pods. Only time will tell if any of these will actually ever happen.

Rolls-Royce cruise ship propulsion system "Promas Lite"

In November 2013, the manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce upgraded Hurtigruten's ship MS Richard With its new "Promas Lite" propulsion system (integrated propeller-rudder system). This is an older ship, and Promas Lite was the perfect choice as it is a combined "propeller-rudder" system increasing the efficiency of older passenger vessels with lesser tonnage. The upgrade significantly reduced Hurtigruten's operating costs on this vessel. The improved propeller efficiency was estimated to be between 11-14% at a cruising speed of 15 knots (17 mph / 28kph).

Promas propulsion integrates propeller, hubcap, rudder bulb and the rudder into a single unit which can increase propulsion's efficiency by 3-8% (1-screw vessels) and by 2-6% (2-screw vessels). It also improves maneuverability, reduces fuel consumption and bad emissions. The new modular technology allows efficient and cost-effective custom-made systems to be built up from various existing and standard parts - mooring winches, anchor cable lifters, warping heads.

Rolls Royce cruise ship propulsion system (rudder)

Hurtigruten was compensated with ~80% of its total investment in Promas Lite marine propulsion upgrades as the Norwegian Government has this NOx fund encouraging shipowners and operators to upgrade their vessels and invest in new marine technologies that reduce NOx emissions. The Promas Lite propulsion future clients, besides passenger ships, are marine vessels like fishing and freighter ships.

After Norwegian Spirit (the first ship in NCL fleet with installed Promas Lite in 2011), in May 2014 the Star Cruises ship SuperStar Virgo became Southeast Asia's first passenger liner with RR's Promas Lite propulsion. Fincantieri used Promas Lite propulsion for all Viking Ocean liners.

Cruise Ship Power

The cruise ship engine power is responsible for driving propellers, and the other possibility is producing electricity that is used subsequently to drive propellers. The engine's effectiveness depends not only on the design but also the ship's shape, weight, and size. Power is measured in horsepower traditionally - one horsepower equals 746 watts. The next photo shows the world's largest passenger ships' engine that powers each of the Royal Caribbean Oasis-class vessels.

Royal Caribbean Oasis-class cruise ship engine

Marine steam engines

The cruise industry began in 1844, when ships were propelled by steam engines, performing the driving of propellers by using steam as working fluid. The largest passenger steamship (before hitting an iceberg on April 14, 1912) was the Titanic, powered by both reciprocating engines and turbines, able to generate 50,000 horsepower (37 megawatts).

Marine diesel engines

Usually, ships are powered by four or five generator sets (medium-speed, 500 revolutions per minute), fueled by diesel and creating 8-10 MW energy each. The power density of marine diesel medium-speed engine is 80 kilowatts per cubic meter. Ships that use diesel engines are required to carry exhaust-treatment systems and catalytic-reduction equipment to reduce the environmental impact.

Marine nuclear power engines

The building of the US first and only merchant nuclear-powered ship was commissioned in the 1950s by President Eisenhower. Of total cost $46.9 million, on the fuel core and nuclear reactor was spent more than $28 million. The ship operated only for five years (1965-1970) but due to the high running costs, its service was terminated.

Marine gas turbines

The first company that fitted cruise vessels with gas turbines, was Royal Caribbean. Gas turbines are greener than diesel engines and allow ships to sail with reduced inventory and smaller maintenance crew. Gas turbines drive generators which in turn provide electricity to propeller motors. They recover heat from gas turbines' exhaust, which then is used to produce the electricity needed for onboard services (air conditioning, water heating).

Rolls Royce is the manufacturer of the world's largest GAS marine turbine "Rolls-Royce MT30". The turbine will provide the immense 109 MW of power for the 2 propellers, all the weaponry, radars, command sys, etc. of the new generation UK aircraft carriers of the Queen Elizabeth class. To this class belong HMS Queen Elizabeth (2017-commissioned) and HMS Prince of Wales (2019-commissioned), each of them with a total power consumption of 80 MW.

Gas-turbine cruise ship power system

The first large vessel to use a new gas-turbine cruise ship propulsion system was Celebrity Millennium . This system will be more frequently used in new cruise ship buildings . It's innovative and, besides new activities available, the economy of scale, marketing, represents an important element of ship design. System's advantages include:

lower vibrations and noise level, better comfort, lower probability of failure;
lower exploitation costs because of the easier maintenance;
nocive emissions reduction, which is partially owed to gas oil instead of fuel (-90% oxide of sulfur, -80% oxide of azote).
considerable gain of weight and volume, especially when with Azipod marine propulsion system (900 tons, 70 cabins added).

Gas turbines at this time are only interesting in the building of high-speed ships (warships, and especially aircraft carriers, or fast passenger vessels - Millennium max speed is 25kn), because of the better diesel output in lower speeds and higher price of gasoil instead of fuel for diesel engines.

Gas turbine cruise ship propulsion systems are able to avoid pre-heating systems needed for fuel in classic installations (risk of fire!), as they use gasoil, Celebrity's Millenium-class and RCI's Radiance-class use such turbine powerplants. The next photo shows Celebrity's Solstice-class ship propulsion (the 4 aft azipods, and the underwater hull shape).

Celebrity Cruises Solstice-class ship propulsion

LNG-powered cruise ships

In June 2015, Carnival Corporation announced the company's contract with Fincantieri to build four LNG-powered vessels with the industry's largest passenger capacity. This was part of the order with Meyer Werft and Fincantieri for a total of 9x units to be built in the period 2019-2022.

The four newbuilds became the industry's first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) powered vessels using LNG in their hybrid engines. The gas is stored in the ship and used to generate all needed power at sea. The engines are not exclusively LNG, but "dual fuel" (capable of burring both liquid marine fuel and natural gas). This design is for saving onboard space (reducing fuel storage space required).

LNG cruise ship propulsion scheme (Rolls-Royce design)

LNG is natural gas, which consists of 90% methane and 10% ethane. When cooled to -160 C, it passes from gas to liquid, and its volume decreases over 600 times, making it very efficient for distribution. Long-distance LNG transportation is via dual-hull gas carriers. Short-distance LNG transportation is via trucks or smaller vessels (also barges) fitted with high-pressure tanks.

Gas fuel eliminates all the bad emissions - soot and sulfur oxides. In April 2016 MSC Cruises announced its contract with STX France for up to four LNG-powered ships with GT over 200,000 tons each. For comparison, the Oasis of the Seas is 225,000 GT tons. The new MSC ships have 5400 passengers capacity at double occupancy each. The first one is scheduled for delivery in 2022. Its power plant will be based on a new prototype engine.

Using LNG to power large cruise ships is a relatively new (2016) concept. Due to LNG tanks' large sizes, this fuel is used usually on smaller passenger shipping vessels ( ferries ) operating on short crossing itineraries. LNG bunkering facilities available in ports are very few. Compared to other fuels (including MGO / marine gas oil), LNG is purer (no unburned residues, fewer greenhouse gases), more efficient, stable and cheaper (reduces fuel costs). LNG technology also advances due to IMO's future maritime emissions regulations, especially in ports and while operating in environmentally sensitive destinations.

In comparison to pipeline gas, LNG is superior in quality - purer, with more methane and other energy content. Its chemical structure also has a stable composition that doesn't generate unburned residues, soot or any particulates. In addition, because the fuel is so clean, on LNG-powered ships maintenance intervals are doubled (over 25,000 hours / ~10140 days), as opposed to the standard MDO-powered 12,500 hours (520 days).

All the world's major environmental organizations and the marine shipping industry joined for an explicit prohibition on the carriage of non-compliant fuels when the 0,5% sulfur cap takes effect in 2020.
In January 2018, IMO announced that starting January 1, 2020, the marine fuels' max allowed sulfur content (outside Emission Control Areas) is reduced from the previous 3,5% to 0,5%. Unless marine vessels are using approved equivalent compliance methods, after Jan 2020 there is no reason for ships to use non-compliant diesel fuels.
IMO's new sulfur cap's goal is to provide substantial health benefits by reducing marine fuels' sulfur content (SOx gases). At the same time, IMO's lowered cap significantly increases ships' operating costs.

The LNG cruise ship concept was first introduced by Wartsila (Finnish manufacturing company) and is based on drive shaft propulsion instead of azipods. The LNG tanks' location is in the upper deck area (right below the funnels). The Rolls Royce concept is based on azipods.

AIDAprima (2016) is one of the world's most technologically advanced cruise vessels. The ship rides on a cushion of air, thus reducing frictions and fuel consumption, The new technology is called MALS ("Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System"), allowing the liner to glide on an air bubbles carpet.

The ship's 4 main engines are dual-fuel (heavy oil and LNG gas oil) thus reducing fuel consumption. The ship has an advanced filtering system that reduces stack emissions (greenhouse gases). The ship's propulsion features 1 pair of stabilizers and 2x ABB-pod drives (new XO-Pod series, power output per unit: is 3 MW). The total power output is 48 MW. AIDAprima is also the world's first-ever "LNG cruise ship" as it uses LNG fuel supply while berthed in ports.

For its LNG-bunkering operations in Florida (at homeports PortMiami and Port Canaveral ), CCL-Carnival partnered with Royal Dutch Shell plc as fuel supplier for the liners Mardi Gras (2021) and Celebration (2022).

AIDA's LNG-powered cruise ships

The AIDAprima ship's first successful test run for LNG supply was in Hamburg Germany on May 7, 2016. While berthed, the ship was successfully provided with LNG at all the itinerary's ports of call (Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre, Southampton, Zeebrugge).

The company's statistics show that the AIDA ship spends about 40% of its operating time in ports. Compared to using conventional marine diesel (0,1% sulfur content), by using LNG, the vessel's emissions were considerably reduced even further. Sulfur oxides and soot particles were prevented completely (while in port), nitrogen oxide emission was reduced by up to 80%, CO2 emissions were lowered by 20%.
AIDA ships (produced by Shipyard Papenburg ) are 100% LNG-powered. AIDA invested in research and testing of LNG cruise ship technologies since 2015. In 2013, AIDA collaborated on LNG hybrid barges with Becker Marine Systems. The innovative and flexible solution is used on ships moored in Port Hamburg.
Since May 30, 2015, AIDAsol is regularly supplied with low-emission LNG power at Hamburg's Hafencity Cruise Terminal.
AIDA ships use just 3 liters (0,8 US gallons) of fuel on average per person on board for a 100 km (62 ml) trip. This was confirmed by an independent expert study in 2012. Following the implementation of new technologies and economical handling of resources, the company's statistics for 2016 (over 2012) showed reduced energy consumption (9% per person onboard), reduced water consumption (7,2% pp) and reduced CO2 emissions (7,7% pp).

Hurtigruten ships

In April 2018, the Norwegian cruise and ferry company Hurtigruten announced a USD 150 million fleet renovation project. Almost all vessels will be upgraded with new hybrid powerplants that combine LNG-engines and batteries.

For the project was contracted Rolls-Royce Marine, initially for 6 ships plus optional another 3. The program's completion was scheduled before January 1, 2021. The project also includes all vessels to be upgraded with shore power capabilities.

Dual-engine ferries (LNG-MDO)

The next scheme shows the dual-engine powerplant (Wartsila) and propulsion (Azipod) of the cruise ferry Tallink Megastar . This ship is the biggest "floating superstore" on the Baltic Sea, featuring a 2-deck retail shopping complex and the unique self-service option called "Q-shopping". The RoPax vessel uses LNG as prime fuel and MDO (marine diesel oil) as secondary fuel.

Tallink Megastar ship power-propulsion system

The ship is powered by a total of five Wartsila dual-fuel engines - three 12-cylinder (model 12V50DF, combined output 34,2 MW) plus two 6-cylinder (model 6L50DF, combined output 11,4 MW). Ferryboat's total power output is 45,6 MW. Its propulsion system includes two Wartsila fixed-pitch propellers with twin propeller shafts. Navigation systems are also Wartsila-made, including NACOS Platinum (integrated vessel control system).

The power generated by the main engines/powerplant produces electricity that is used from the propulsion motors, as well as all auxiliary systems and hotel functions. This innovative maritime technology allows the engines to be started and stopped depending on the onboard electricity demand, which additionally improves fuel efficiency.

Vessel's hull is ice-strengthened (class 1A). Rudders are from Becker Marine Systems. When compared to traditional marine engines, in gas mode, the ship's engines produce 1/4 less COx, 2/3 less NOx, zero SOx and no soot particles.

The onboard LNG system consists of 2 bunker stations, 2 horizontal LNG storage tanks by Linde (cryogenic, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel, total gas volume 600 m3), double-walled bunkering lines, pipelines (acid-proof stainless steel), special pipe fittings, gas distribution system, steam boilers. All the ship's electrical equipment is certified "explosion-proof". The LNG is stored at temperatures -160 Celsius (-256 Fahrenheit) and under pressure 4-6 bars.

ABB supplied the vessel's power and electric propulsion systems, as well as the Octopus (smart energy management system). While mechanical propulsion is optimized for a single-speed, electric propulsion is based on rotating speed control resulting in energy efficiency at all speeds. ABB's propulsion also improves passenger comfort as the ship runs much more quietly and smoothly. ABB's Octopus marine technology allows real-time monitoring of the vessel's energy (and fuel) consumption. Based on the collected data, the software suggests optimal performance recommendations.

Spain's first LNG-powered cruiseferry was Hypatia de Alejandria (2019) owned by BALEARIA .

Wind-assisted propulsion

On April 12, 2018, the VIKING LINE -owned ferry Viking Grace became the world's first-ever passenger ship equipped with a rotor sail utilizing wind power. This also made it the world's first hybrid vessel that uses both wind power and dual-fuel (diesel-gas) engines.

"Rotor Sail Solution" is an innovative technology developed by the company Norsepower Ltd (Finland) in 5 years. It reduces fuel consumption and also COx emissions up to 900 tons per year (depending on wind conditions).

The cylindrical rotor sail has a height of 24 m (79 ft) and a diameter of 4 m (13 ft). The technology is based on the "Flettner rotor" (patented by Anton Flettner in 1922) and uses the so-called "Magnus effect" - the spinning rotor (rotating cylinder) drags airflow faster around one side. This creates pressure/speed difference that moves it in the direction of the opposite (lower-pressure) side, creating a force at a right angle to the direction of the wind. This wind-assisted propulsion power drives the ship forward. Unlike traditional cloth sails, the rotor needs no furling (stowing), reefing (reducing sail's area) or line-tending. The rotor sail system is automated and shuts down when unfavorable changes in wind force or direction occur.

Added to the dual-fuel engines, the new technology makes Viking Grace one of the world's most environmentally-friendly passenger ships, operating with very low levels of emissions and noise. Norsepower's wind propulsion system was also installed on VIKING LINE's newest vessel (still unnamed) scheduled for delivery in 2020. The China-built ferryboat is equipped with two Norsepower-produced rotor sails, doubling its wind power potential.

Ship's powerplant includes 4x Wartsila engines (model 8L50DF, total power output 30,4 MW). Propulsion is diesel-electric (2x shafts with fixed-pitch propellers) and wind-assisted (with 1x rotor sail). Engines are dual-fuel (MDO-LNG). As gas tanks are larger than marine fuel tanks. they need 6 times more space. To save hull space, LNG tanks are located on an open deck. LNG tanks are two (type C / vacuum insulated), each with capacity 200 m3 and weight 140 tons (LNG weight 85 tons per tank).

MS Viking Grace is also the world's first ship with the energy recycling system "Ocean Marine" (developed by Climeon AB / Stockholm-based company). The system converts the excess heat (generated by engines and exhausts) into clean (emission-free) electricity with an annual capacity of 700,000 kWh. This electricity is primarily used on cabin decks (including for heating, hot water, lighting). The technology uses heat exchangers that evaporate a carrier fluid circulating in a closed system. This gas (at 2-bar pressure) drives a turbine, then a 100 kW generator produces electricity. After that, the gas is cooled (in a vacuum chamber) and liquefied. Cooling is rapid, as the cold fluid is sprayed out. Then Heat exchangers cool the carrier fluid to temperatures around 20 C / 68 F.

Cruise Ship Fuel Consumption

How much fuel do cruise ships use.

Cruise ship fuel consumption depends on the ship's size. For most vessels, the average consumption is 30-50 miles on a fuel gallon. This will be also determined by other factors using fuel. Ships' gas mileage varies depending on the type and size of ship, the number of passengers on board, and other factors. Larger ships need more fuel to move through the water.

RMS Queen Mary uses 6 tons of marine fuel per hour. Celebrity Eclipse gets 56 feet to the gallon. MS Zuiderdam - .0130 miles per gallon (0.34 tons fuel per mile). This may not seem very good mileage at first glance, however, cruise ships are moving at once thousands of people whereas a car is moving a few.

Nearly all contemporary cruise ships are powered by electricity (motors turn propellers). It powers the air conditioning systems, lights and all other appliances aboard the ship. Most vessels produce the electricity they need by using diesel engines. Some use gas turbine engines. Others use a combination of the two. HFO (heavy fuel oil) is used by diesel engines, while MGO (marine gas oil) is used by gas turbine engines. The MGO is similar to the jet airplanes' fuel.

Speed affects cruise ship fuel consumption because to go faster, vessels must increase the electricity flow to motors. Thus more engines are employed, and it, in turn, increases fuel consumption. For example, Queen Mary 2 consumes 237 tons MGO and 261 tons HFO a day when at full speed. After a certain point, the rate of return decreases from adding engines, because if a ship can manage 17 knots by two engines, it doesn't mean that four engines are going to produce 34 knots.

Cruise companies employ new technologies in order to reduce fuel consumption. Ship's hull, for example, can be applied by silicon coating in order to reduce friction as the ship goes through the water. Friction reduction on Celebrity Eclipse is 5%. Another experiment is LED lighting, using less energy and producing less heat (thus is reduced the demand for electricity and air conditioning). Celebrity Solstice-class vessels have solar panels' field over the AquaSpa pool area. This not only provides shade for the pool area but produced by solar panels electricity is used to decrease the electricity demand from the engines.

RMS Queen Mary 2 is equipped with exhaust gas economizers, using waste heat from engines to produce steam. Then steam is used to heat fuel and QM2 hotel accommodations, laundry, galleys. This reduces the energy amount that has to be produced by ship's engines. The Promas Lite system (mentioned above) generates cruise ship fuel savings in the range of 5-15% depending on the operation type and the actual performance of the ship's existing propeller.

How marine ships fuel consumption increases at higher speeds? Next infographic shows the speed-fuel consumption relation on container ships (their sizes are measured in TEU-containers/20 ft equivalent units), which are similar by speeds and even gross tonnage to cruise passenger ships.

Cruise Ship Pollution

Today cruising is one of the most popular vacations, but there are significant environmental downsides. Mega-ships burn the dirtiest fuel in the world, even if they are sitting in port. Asthma, cancer, respiratory illness, heart disease, are the results of burned in ports nasty bunker fuel.

Shore-to-Ship Power Supply

Those who support the cruise industry point out that cruising has never been more popular. However, more ships generate more pollution. A solution is to have docked vessels plug into the port's shore power grid. Most of the world's largest cruise ports have such dockside electrical hookups, reducing bad emissions by up to 95%.

Aka "cold ironing" and "shore-to-ship power", shore power capability allows berthed cruise ships to shut down their diesel engines (main and auxiliary) and plug into city's electrical grid, using locally-produced electricity for all shipboard equipment and services - including cooling, heating, lighting, emergency, etc. The technology greatly reduces exhaust emissions in seaports. Next video animation reviews this technology.

TUI Cruises Ships Environmental Report

TUI published the company's environmental impact report (first of its kind) including environmental objectives and TUI strategy for a 5-years period. TUI said it planned to issue reports every 2 years. According to it, in 2012 TUI reduced by 3.7% per nautical mile its fuel consumption, and expects further 5% reduction, reducing CO2 emission at the same time by 0.5 kg to 0.55 kg per traveler.

Energy efficiencies are the key to reduce fuel consumption, CO2, and other emissions, and contribute to climate protection. Mein Schiff 3, for example, is expected to feature special energy management systems that help to consume 30% less energy than comparable size ships. TUI is focused on reducing recycling and waste, too. In 2012, TUI reduced the waste amount to 10,7 L (per passenger day), which is 27,8% less (over 2011). In 2012, TUI used 54,463 tons of fuel, including 9,732 tons LSFO (low sulfur fuel oil), 40,880 tons HFO (heavy fuel oil) and 3,851 tons MDO (marine diesel oil). Fuel consumption was 0,367 tons per nautical mile.

All new TUI ships are built to the latest standards with environmentally-friendly marine technologies. These vessels, both as design (hull and superstructure) and implemented technologies, are highly energy-efficient. Each consumes 1/3 less energy compared to most cruise liners. The advanced exhaust cleaning system uses a catalytic and scrubber converter. This technology allows sulfur emissions to be reduced by 99%, and NOx emissions - by 75%.

All-electric passenger ships

In May 2019, the US company "Maid of the Mist" ordered ABB two new all-electric vessels for the company's Niagara Falls tours. Both catamarans are 100% emission-free being powered by high-capacity batteries. Each ship is fitted with two battery packs (combined capacity 316 kWh / 563 HP output). The electricity is provided by 2 fully-independent power systems and split evenly between the 2 hulls.

Shoreside battery charging takes just 7 min (per ship). The powerplant is controlled by ABB's PEMS (Power and Energy Management System), which also optimizes the onboard energy use. Ships' batteries are charged using hydropower (water-generated electricity), which as of 2019 accounts for ~7% of the USA's total electricity production. In addition to the shoreside charging connection, ABB supplied the newbuilds with switchboards, motors, integrated control systems and ABB Ability's Marine Remote Diagnostic System (24-hour equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance).

Battery power is used during turnaround navigation in ports when the onboard diesel-electric generators are switched off. For ferry batteries (fabrication, delivery, and installation) is often contracted the Canadian company Corvus Energy (Richmond BC) - one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of energy storage solutions (ESS) for the maritime industry. The company provides ESS to hybrid and all-electric ferries. As of 2019, Corvus Energy delivered its innovative product line "Orca ESS" to 200+ vessel conversion/upgrade projects, totaling 200+ MWh.

At the following tag-link can be found listed all CruiseMapper's news related to propulsion-power accidents .

This cruise vessel technology-related survey is integrated with our articles on passenger ships building and safety , and the statistical ones about registry/flag-states , cost to build , speed , passenger capacity . All ship links redirect to the vessel's "itinerary-schedule-current position" page.

IMAGES

Inside 162.5m Blohm+Voss megayacht Eclipse
Eclipse Superyacht: The World's Most Expensive Super Yacht
Measuring your Yacht Fuel Consumption per Hour
Superyacht Eclipse M/Y Eclipse is a luxury motor yacht constructed by
Yacht Fuel Capacity and Use
Boat Fuel Consumption Chart

COMMENTS

Inside 162.5m Blohm+Voss megayacht Eclipse
Step on board the 162.5m Eclipse - the second largest superyacht in the world. Designer Terry Disdale talks us through the four and a half years, nine decks and 162.5 metres of the world's second largest superyacht. Terry Disdale didn't set out to design the biggest superyacht in the world. "No one ever said to me, 'I want a 160 metre ...
Eclipse (yacht)
M/Y Eclipse is a superyacht built by Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, Germany, the third longest afloat.Her exterior and interior were designed by Terence Disdale. The yacht is owned by Roman Abramovich, and was delivered on 9 December 2010.At 162.5 metres (533 ft 2 in) long [5] Eclipse was the world's longest private yacht until Azzam was launched in April 2013, which is 17.3 metres (56 ft 9 in) longer ...
Eclipse Superyacht
Eclipse Type. Motor Model. Custom Sub Type - Year. 2010 Flag. ... Fuel Type. Diesel Manufacturer - Model. 20V 1163 TB93 Power - ... Equipment Generator - Stabilizers - Thrusters - Amenities - Expand. Build Team. Yacht Builder Blohm + Voss No profile available. Naval Architect Blohm + Voss
Roman Abramovich just spent a mind-boggling $2.2 million to fuel up his
The plush interiors of the Eclipse megayacht.Via Charterworld Abramovich's floating asset can travel up to 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots before refueling. According to eSysman SuperYachts, the wealthy tycoon allegedly spent no less than $2.2 million (41 million Turkish Lira) on a single refuel.Filling up the vessel with a 1,000 tons of fuel would also have taken no less than 18-24 hours ...
Eclipse
The 162.5m long and $1.2 billion beauty, yacht Eclipse is the world's largest and most expensive yacht in the world. Proud owner of this beauty happens to be a Russian businessman who also owns Chelsea Football Club- Roman Abramovich. ... Featuring 1,000,000 litres of fuel tanks, Eclipse can travel up to 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots ...
Roman Abramovich: Russian Oligarch's $700M Yacht the Eclipse, Photos
Abramovich's 553-foot-long flagship is The Eclipse, estimated to have cost $700 million when built. After sanctions were initially dropped by the UK against Abramovich, his second "smaller" $600 ...
Eclipse Yacht: The World's Most Expensive Private Yacht ($1.5 Billion)
It also can carry 1 million liters of fuel in tanks and can travel up to 6000 nautical miles at the rate of about 21 knots before it needs to be refueled. The boat can also store nearly one fifty thousand liters of fresh water on board. ... History of the Eclipse Yacht. As mentioned before the yacht is owned by Roman Abramovich, a Russian ...
Eclipse Yacht Specs, Tests and Reviews
Get the latest Eclipse Yacht specs, tests and reviews featuring models, specifications, available features, engine information, fuel consumption, and information resources. BoatingWorld Discover the World of Boating. Your Ultimate Boating Resource ... Boat Reviews. Boat Reviews Overview of the 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X 325.
LUXURIOUS YACHT
The Eclipse yacht owned by Roman Abramovich came to the Port of Gruz to fill up on fuel. It seems that around 750 tons were ordered, which is more than a half of the capacity of the fuel tank. The cost - around million euros - reports Dubrovacki.hr. Meaning that by the time the Russian's yacht was half full Croatia had earned 250,000 Euros ...
ECLIPSE Yacht • Roman Abramovich $700M Superyacht
The Eclipse yacht is one of the most iconic and luxurious superyachts in the world. Known as the "USD 1.5 billion yacht", it was rumored to have cost an exorbitant amount. However, according to sources, the original contract price was around EUR 550 million, or USD 700 million, which is far less than the speculated amount.
How Much Fuel Does a Yacht Use? An In-Depth Analysis
On average, a yacht might use between 20 to 100 gallons of fuel per hour. Smaller yachts, such as those around 40 feet, tend to be on the lower end of the scale, consuming about 20 to 40 gallons per hour. Larger vessels, which are over 100 feet, can consume significantly more, sometimes exceeding 100 gallons per hour, especially at higher speeds.
ECLIPSE Yacht Charter
The luxury motor yacht ECLIPSE was built by Couach and delivered to her owner in 2005, she later underwent a refit in 2020. ... Fuel consumption (max) 567.8lph / 150gph: Range (max) 1852km / 1000nm: Engine: 2 x MTU V 16 motors of 2400 CV each 2 x Kohler 55 generators: Hull: Monohull: Flag: Jamaica: Launched: 2005:
Yachts And Fuel
Fuel prices can vary but typically costs between €0.80 and €1.30 per litre. Yacht charter, sales and management company West Nautical added: "Fuel costs should be at the top of any yacht owner and captain's minds for two reasons: to minimise costs as well as reduce the environmental impact of burning unnecessary fuel.
Yacht Fuel Cost Calculator
3 hrs x 130 gph = 390 gallons. All that is left to do now is add up the total amount of fuel needed and multiply the number with the price per gallon. (7500+390) x $3,5 = $27615. In this example, the final cost of your will set you back a little bit more than 27 thousand dollars.
CSO Yachts
Eclipse is a yacht made of a steel hull and a aluminium superstructure: those characteristics allow wide spaces but also a more stable anchoring. Propelled by two caterpillar engines, she sails comfortably at 12 knots and can reach a maximum speed of 13 knots. She has as well a range to up to 4,376 miles thanks to her fuel tanks of 56,800 liters.
Measuring your Yacht Fuel Consumption per Hour
The efficiency of boat fuel is measured in pounds of fuel that are used in an hour per horsepower. In order to be able to read the calculation right, any boat owner should know that gasoline is almost 6.1 pounds per gallon while diesel is 7.2 pounds per gallon. Usually, if you consider that all sea conditions are pristine, the fuel consumption ...
Fuel consumption
Re: Fuel consumption - real world numbers. We also sail, which keeps the fuel bills mighty low. Two, 2 week sailing vacations in the BVI ..,,, We used 7 to 7.2 gallons of fuel for each of the two weeks. Most of that charging up the batteries every day ( 1400 rpm). We motored a few times for short passages ( 2300 rpm).
Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse with Svitzer Tugs in Hook of Holland.. Scenic Group founder and Chairman Glen Moroney decided to build Scenic Eclipse after being inspired by Paul Allen's Octopus yacht. [2] The construction of the Scenic Eclipse began in 2017 but was delayed numerous times due to the bankruptcy of the building yard. [3] The vessel finally entered service in August 2019. [4]
Azzam: 10 facts about Lürssen's 180m superyacht
10 facts about the superyacht Azzam. 1. Azzam was never conceived as the world's largest superyacht. The design was to be high speed and accommodate a certain interior plan and number of guests, but it was originally envisaged as 145 metres overall. As the need to optimise the structure, and create space for complex engine systems, fuel and ...
Fuel Calculator
Welcome to the West Nautical Fuel Calculator. HOW TO USE: To plot points on the map, click with your mouse - this will automatically update the distance table. Then enter the speed, fuel consumption, and fuel cost to determine the total cost of the trip. Example 1: A fast 30m yacht cruising at 20 knots ( Lady Amanda) will consume roughly 400 ...
ECLIPSE Azimut 62s Yacht For Charter
CREW 2. CRUISING SPEED 20 Knots. FUEL CONSUMPTION 220 Litres/Hr. MOTORIZATION 2 X CAT 1015 HP. ECLIPSE is an Azimut 62S available for charter in Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia. The yacht features 2 cabins for 4 guests with 2 crew. Contact us for rates!
Superyachts aim to go green
Roman Abramovich's 163-metre Eclipse, one of the world's largest superyachts and estimated to cost more than $1bn, found refuge in the Turkish port of Marmaris. Long before the latest Ukraine ...
Cruise Ship Engine, Propulsion, Fuel Consumption
In 2012, TUI used 54,463 tons of fuel, including 9,732 tons LSFO (low sulfur fuel oil), 40,880 tons HFO (heavy fuel oil) and 3,851 tons MDO (marine diesel oil). Fuel consumption was 0,367 tons per nautical mile. All new TUI ships are built to the latest standards with environmentally-friendly marine technologies.