ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products and Solutions to the ‘Falcons’ biofouling control service developed by Mitsui E&S.
In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered innovation endorsement for products and solutions. ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovative functions.
The scope of the certification covers:
- Quantification of fuel saving and CO2 reduction specifically by hull cleaning
- Patternisation of differences in fuel reduction effects of cleaning variations
- Tracking and predicting the progress of biofouling through AI-powered quantitative evaluation
- Propulsion Performance Analysis using only engine data and operational data without external disturbances
According to Mitsui E&S, Falcons integrates Fouling Evaluation based on AI assessment of underwater inspection images with ‘Propulsion Performance Analysis’ based on engine operation data and voyage record data. Falcons makes it possible to quantitatively understand and predict the deterioration of propulsion performance due to biofouling and the improvement due to cleaning. Thus, Mitsui E&S provides background data to determine effective timing and area of cleaning and quantitative reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emission to shipping operators who previously relied on other methods including experience and intuition for cleaning decisions and who want to quantitatively evaluate the cleaning effect.
Image: ‘Falcons’ biofouling control service (credit: Mitsui E&S)
