Autopilot adjustment and use

Autopilot is the use of an automatic system to control the rudder on the vessel. Use of autopilot can reduce the fuel consumption by smoothing out larger rudder movements used to hold a steady course. Large rudder angles may cause a significant drag force, which would increase the total ship resistance and thus power demands. Efficient and adaptive autopilot operations allow small deviations to course-line but will use fewer and smaller angle rudder movements to maintain the course-line. This decreases the rudder movements and consequently reduces fuel consumption. Although autopilot is standard on modern ships, there is still an energy reduction potential by optimizing the use of such systems.

Applicability and assumptions

Autopilot adjustment and use is applicable for all vessel types and vessel ages.

Autopilot optimization is quick to implement, assuming that autopilot is already installed on all vessels. However, it will need some effort to check whether right settings have been applied by the crew, and the complexity of the system is low due to adaptive self-learning systems onboard.

For optimal adjustment and use of autopilot best practice in shipboard procedures must be implemented (incl. e.g. recommendation on optimal number of rudder movements and angles for different sea conditions). The crew must be properly trained to achieve the saving potentials.

Cost of implementation

There is no cost of implementation assuming that autopilot is already installed. However, costs related to education, training and awareness may occur depending on the crew experience, etc.

Reduction potential

Estimated reduction on main engine fuel consumption is 0.1 – 1.0%, through effective autopilot and rudder settings.

Other References

1. Marine Insight / 10 Things to Consider While Using Auto-Pilot System on Ships
2. Zwierzewicz, et al., 2021. Design and Assessment of ADRC-Based Autopilot for Energy-Efficient Ship Steering.