How a Ventilation Upgrade Can Significantly Reduce Fuel Consumption

Installing a demand-based ventilation system can significantly lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions in cruise ships, according to Halton, an expert in air solutions and galley ventilation. Since 2020, the company has collaborated with Hvacon to retrofit vessel ventilation systems, responding to growing market demands amid tightening regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Ventilation systems are responsible for approximately 30% of energy usage on large cruise ships, making them the second-largest energy consumer after propulsion. By adopting a demand-based approach, these systems can reduce energy consumption by up to a third. Claes Fog Boelge, CEO of Hvacon, highlighted that such retrofits could cut fuel consumption by about 10%, which is significant given that large cruise liners typically burn between 150 and 250 tons of fuel daily. The investment in these systems is projected to pay off in under two years.

A typical passenger vessel hosts multiple galleys (up to a dozen) and 1,500 to 2,000 cabins, all of which require constant ventilation. Conventional ventilation systems run at full capacity around the clock, whereas demand-based systems only operate as required. These smart systems include features such as infrared sensors that track cooking temperatures and occupancy detection to adjust ventilation based on passenger presence, thereby optimizing energy use. For instance, balcony door sensors prevent unnecessary heating or cooling when doors are opened.

Susanna Ahonen, sales team manager at Halton, noted that the need for retrofit ventilation systems is increasing, particularly as many existing systems reach the end of their lifecycle. The industry is rapidly shifting towards sustainable practices, driven by regulatory pressures and the growing importance of eco-friendly solutions.

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