Hike Metal is proud to make some of the finest marine vessels in the shipping industry. But did you know that we can also improve the ship you already have? Keep reading to learn more about how Hike Metal can improve your ship in terms of fuel economy, environmental friendliness, and more!
What Is Retrofitting?
Retrofitting is a way of upgrading and updating your ship. This could be updating your ship’s operational standards, upgrading core technologies to reduce carbon dioxide, or giving a vessel solar panels or other forms of green technology. Good design & engineering can improve your ship’s energy and keep things up to code.
If you know about computers, think of retrofitting as replacing damaged or outdated parts of your system instead of buying a new machine. Engine retrofits will pay for themselves if they come with energy optimization or otherwise save you money in the future.
Economic Sense
The earlier metaphor of a computer getting parts swapped out falls apart when you consider how much boats cost. Even the most expensive gaming PC will not come close to the price of a boat given how much fuel and repairs cost.
Much of retrofitting is about ship energy. Fuel is one of the biggest costs of owning a boat. Anything that decreases a ship’s fuel consumption will save you money. Green retrofitting will also make a ship less likely to need modifications in the future.
Retrofitting is thus the optimal solution unless severe damage is involved. If one part is broken, it usually makes more economic sense to replace that part. Likewise, if someone wants to update their boat with dual fuel technology for energy optimization, it probably will not cost as much as an entirely new boat.
Fuel Efficiency
The best reason to consider retrofitting your boat is to save on fuel costs. Ship engines require an astonishing amount of fuel. For example, large ships may use around 227 tonnes of fuel according to the University of Colorado.
But even if you do not have a large boat, fuel is a large cost of ownership. A two-day fishing trip can cost boat owners around $200, if not more. No matter what you paid for the boat, the actual cost of your commercial fishing boat is more once you factor in fuel.
Retrofitting is worth your time and money. The retrofitting process may be expensive, but you will save so much gas down the line that it will be worth it. When every gallon counts, anything that can reduce energy consumption can be a lifesaver.
Green Retrofitting
All that fuel means that boats increase the effects of climate change. According to the International Maritime Association (as posted by Infineon), cruise ships and other vessels emit millions of tonnes of CO2 per year, leading to 2.5% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Places like Norway will probably ban high-emission vessels soon.
Between demand pressures and changing environmental standards, boat owners have many reasons to consider alternative fuels. Zero-emission fuels and solar energy are both fuel options that allow ship owners to reduce their dependence on carbon fuels.
If you are not ready to switch to solar panels or a new type of fuel for generators, dual-fuel technology may be for you. Dual-fuel engines allow boats to switch between diesel and gas for energy optimization. According to MarineInsight.com, this type of engine also produces less air pollution. Since green retrofitting does not add to the weight of a ship, fitting any boat with dual fuel technology may be easier than it sounds.
Decarbonization retrofits can increase your energy efficiency measure, reduce your greenhouse emissions, keep your boat in compliance with environmental regulations, and decrease your dependence on fossil fuels. With alternative fuel vessels being more common as time goes on, you may want a transition strategy, if not all-out decarbonization retrofits.
Adding New Technology
If talking about fuel is daunting, remember that auxiliary systems matter, too. For example, GPS positioning and satellite internet upgrades might not make your boat more fuel-efficient but are still worthy updates if you will be out at sea for a few weeks. This is especially true for expedition research vessels that need equipment upgrades. Even simple LED retrofits make your boat more energy efficient and brighter. Swapping out refrigerators and freezers is one of the easiest retrofits to make. You can also get retrofitting for heat distribution, speed, or other modifications. Getting a new sewage system may be the best retrofit you will ever make.
Choose Hike Metal
At Hike Metal, we have been working with many different types of boats for over 50 years. We are up for the challenge of retrofitting your boat with ideal solutions for energy performance. The decision of retrofitting can benefit your boat in the long run.
We will keep in touch with you at every design stage. Retrofitting makes economic sense and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so contact us about getting your ship retrofitted today!
