Reducing emissions through speed optimization in supply vessel operations

•Speed optimization strategies are introduced in the construction of vessel schedules.•The strategies utilize waiting time in vessel schedules to reduce speed.•Tests show fuel reduction up to 25% without fleet size increase.•The best strategy is recursive speed optimization on voyage legs.

This paper examines how optimizing sailing speeds can reduce supply vessels emissions in the upstream supply chain to offshore installations. We introduce several speed optimization strategies to be used in construction of periodic vessel schedules. The strategies consider vessel waiting times before the start of service at installations and at supply base. Tests carried out on real instances from Statoil’s activities on the Norwegian continental shelf indicate that a 25% emissions and fuel cost reductions can be achieved without fleet size increase.