Efficient voyage planning is critical in the LNG industry, where operational changes can have significant cost implications.
A modern LNG carrier departing Cameron LNG, Louisiana, USA, and initially scheduled to arrive in Bilbao, Spain, faced a late-stage destination change to Huelva, Spain. With a target pressure of 18 kPa, the voyage required precise adjustments to maintain operational efficiency despite the disruption.
Faced with this challenge, the charterer leveraged Danelec’s Boil-Off Gas (BOG) Optimization solution to evaluate the cost impact of this change and minimize additional fuel consumption.
By the numbers
- ~$30,000 saved through reliquefaction optimization
- 60 MT-LNG of additional conditioning and propulsion costs identified ahead of time when changing discharge port
Why Danelec?
Danelec’s BOG Optimization solution integrates advanced thermodynamic models, real-time vessel data, and machine learning to provide actionable insights for efficient voyage management. Key features include:
- Dynamic scenario analysis for real-time adjustments to voyage plans.
- Comprehensive cost evaluations to predict voyage outcomes and economics across changing conditions and voyage plan options
- Accurate LNG cargo condition modeling to predict the impact of operational decisions on cargo pressure, temperature, and composition, including impacts of reliquefaction, GCU utilization, and operational adjustments.
- Enhanced decision-making tools to mitigate risks associated with unexpected disruptions.
With its robust data-driven platform, Danelec’s solution empowers charterers to respond effectively to operational challenges, minimizing financial and environmental impacts.
Our Solution Methodology
Danelec applied its BOG Optimization solution to model the impact of the discharge terminal change and develop actionable insights:
- Baseline Analysis (Bilbao, Spain): Initial predictions for arrival at Bilbao showed total remaining LNG consumption of 453 MT while meeting the pressure target.
- Revised Analysis (Huelva, Spain): For arrival at Huelva, predictions indicated 512 MT of LNG consumption would be required to meet the new ETA and pressure target.
Results
Operational Impacts
- The solution quantified an additional 60 MT of LNG consumption required to meet the arrival pressure target and required arrival time at the new revised discharge port, attributed to the operational adjustments needed to accommodate the destination change.
- Recommended adjustments to GCU utilization, shaft speed, and reliquefaction enabled the crew to plan for mitigating pressure increases while meeting the new ETA.
Saving Opportunities
After changing her voyage plan, the vessel utilized recommendations to optimize shaft speed and reliquefaction and improve operational efficiency, resulting in 20 MT of reliquefaction savings, equating to approximately $30,000 in cost reductions. Furthermore, the simulation identified an opportunity for an additional 13 MT of LNG savings through further reliquefaction adjustments, representing ~$19,000 in expenses that could have been captured. These savings underscore the value of precise operational planning, even amid unexpected changes.
Cost of Change
The late-stage discharge terminal change from Bilbao to Huelva introduced operational challenges, leading to an estimated $90,000 in additional fuel costs. This cost stemmed from the consumption of an extra 60 MT of LNG, highlighting the financial impact of destination changes and the importance of data-driven solutions to mitigate inefficiencies.
This case study illustrates the financial and operational impacts of last-minute voyage adjustments in the LNG sector. By leveraging Danelec’s BOG Optimization solution, the charterer gained valuable insights into the cost implications of changing discharge terminals. Through precise modeling and data-driven recommendations, Danelec’s platform minimized inefficiencies and enabled operators to have the most accurate and complete prediction of techinical and economic outcomes, even under challenging operational conditions. For more information, contact sales@danelec.com.
