The Effect of Biofouling on Fuel Costs: An Experimental Study / Diane Arcas Göçmez

Fuel consumption accounts for approximately two-thirds of a container ship's voyage costs and is also a key determinant of its emission performance. This study demonstrates the impact of biofouling (hull and propeller fouling), which is often overlooked in maritime shipping, on ship performance and fuel costs, using real operational data.

The research is based on a controlled sea trial conducted on two twin ships with identical technical specifications. High-frequency sensor data from a recently cleaned ship was compared with that from a ship that had not been cleaned for four years; critical performance indicators such as speed, shaft power, RPM, and fuel consumption were analyzed. The results clearly show that biofouling increases ship resistance, creating an additional load of 5–7% on fuel consumption.

The study also reveals that high-resolution data obtained using IoT sensors, satellite communication, and cloud-based analytics platforms, compared to traditional noon reports, provides a strong basis for condition-based maintenance and cleaning decisions. Instead of fixed-time cleaning, both costs and emissions can be optimized thanks to data-driven models that predict performance degradation.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that for shipping companies aiming for operational excellence, such as the Arkas fleet, biofouling management is not merely a technical maintenance issue; it is a strategic, economic, and environmental competitive factor. Data-driven approaches are key to sustainable, measurable, and proactive fleet management aligned with sustainability goals.

“I would like to thank the Arkas Maritime Fleet managers for their support in sharing data and for their approach that always aims for the best.”