The oil consumption of a cruise ship will depend on its size. The Queen Victoria can load up to 3,000 tons. Other similarly sized ships can also carry this much.
Facts and Figures
The 3,000 tons are the heavy fuel type. Apart from this, these ocean liners can also carry over 140 tons of gas oil. Typically the amount taken up will be 12 tons every 60 minutes. On average it uses up to 300 gallons to the mile.
Depending on the model, the burnout rate is between 50 to 100 tons every day. This is applicable to the typical cruise ship. Larger designs (becoming common) will carry much more.
Other Factors that Affect Consumption
The total oil consumption of a cruise ship is also dependent on other factors. The weather is a crucial factor.
On fair weather, the consumption will be like the ones described above. If the weather is not favorable, speed will be reduced.
The factor that will come into play is engine use. The generators also take up a lot of fuel. The winds and currents can also increase or reduce oil usage.
The design of the engine is also crucial. Some are better designed than others. This alone can make a difference in the way the fuel is used up.
The generators in particular may use up more power than usual under certain conditions.
Engine Use
Combined with engine utilization, the burnout rate will change drastically. Bear in mind that the engine itself works differently. Small boats work by transmission and then the propellers.
The oil consumption of a cruise ship is managed by electrical equipment. Their large size necessitates the use of numerous generators to help it run smoothly. This is very necessary when running in less-than-ideal weather.
Fuel Types
The fuel utilized also determines the usage. Usually, 70 metric tons are used up for every half ton of diesel. The diesel is kept in the generators.
The type of fuel mixture used in these ships also varies. Depending on the situation, the ratio may change.
Lowering Consumption
One of the problems with using too much oil is that it leads to pollution. The US Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to reduce the emissions.
By limiting the oil consumption of a cruise ship, pollution and health risks will be mitigated.
Various studies have been done showing the ill effects of excessive pollution. The negative effects are also felt not just by people but the environment too.
The need to reduce nitrogen oxides is necessary as pollution levels rise. The EPA declared that lowering the amount (80 to 86%) before 2030 will produce health benefits.
By 2030 the financial health benefit will be around $300 billion. It can also prevent over 30,000 deaths and 2 million working days from being lost. It will also save millions more in lost productivity.
The oil consumption of a cruise ship isn’t as important as trying to reduce it. By taking the steps to limit it, the health dangers will be eliminated as well.