Fast Sail Assisted Feeder Container Ship

An environmentally sustainable fast sail assisted feeder (FSAF) container ship concept with a maximum operational speed of 25 knots has been developed for the 2020 South East (S.E.) Asian and Caribbean feeder container markets. The use of low-carbon and zero-sulphur fuel (liquefied natural gas) and improvements in operational efficiency (cargo handling and scheduling) mean predicted green house gas emissions could be reduced by up to 42% and 40% in the two selected operational regions. The adoption of a Multi-wing sail system reduces power requirement by up to 6% at a lower ship speed of 15 knots. Whilst the thrust benefit is lower than initially expected, the additional effect of motion damping from the sail system could be significant. The predicted daily cost savings against typical existing ships are 27% and 33% in S.E. Asian and the Caribbean regions respectively, making the concept both economically and environmentally viable.