A combined algorithm approach to fuel consumption rate analysis and prediction of sea-worthy diesel engine-powered marine vessels

Abstract

Prediction of fuel consumption rate level of a vessel per voyage posed to be a challenge under uncertainties. In such uncertain conditions, revealing of fuel consumption rate levels of the fleet of vessels is deemed imperative to ensure effective and efficient operations of the vessels per voyage. Therefore, development of uncertainty treatment model is necessary in this research. A combined algorithm that is made up of fuzzy rule base and utility theory methods is incorporated in the investigation of the fuel consumption rate levels of marine vessels. The mechanism of the algorithm is used to capture and combine all the important parameters that determine the fuel consumption rate level of each marine vessel. The workability of the model is demonstrated. The produced results revealed that the combined algorithm can support estimation of the fuel consumption rate levels of marine vessels and show which vessel is better than the other. Based on the results of this article, the management and crew of a marine vessel are equipped with the necessary decision support tool to optimize, implement and manage improvements on the performance characteristics and fuel consumption rate of their marine vessels during voyages.