CONTRARY to widespread belief, slow-steaming doesn't damage ships engines, according to an AP Moller-Maersk study showing the practice places less strain on the engines and results in less maintenance costs.
"There were a lot of concerns about soot build-up, vibrations and propeller health. We addressed those concerns and found solutions," said Jan de Kat, Maersk's senior technical adviser.
The most economical speed for containerships is 10-15 knots instead of 25, said the study, according to London's International Freighting Weekly. The findings were presented at a recent Brussels seminar, and Mr de Kat said Maersk hoped the results of its study would reassure other shipowners.
The average speed of vessels globally has fallen 27 per cent since July 2008, when average daily earnings were 3.6 per cent higher than today, according to data from Bloomberg and London shipbroker Clarksons.