Formula used
How to use this calculator
Select the method matching your available project data. Enter fuel density, price, duration, and reserve assumptions. Review all warnings before using the final estimate carefully.
Add every active engine and equipment group. Assign operating hours and loads to each activity. Direct burn-rate overrides can replace engine calculations when needed.
Use production inputs to compare fuel against dredged material. Enter tank details for delivery timing and endurance. Export results for project planning and team review later.
Example data
| Input | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main engine | 1,200 kW at 75% load | Primary dredging power |
| SFOC | 205 g/kWh | Converts shaft demand into fuel mass |
| Fuel density | 0.850 kg/L | Converts fuel mass into volume |
| Dredging hours | 120 hours | Defines activity duration |
| Reserve | 15% | Adds project contingency fuel |
| Material volume | 100,000 m³ | Calculates fuel and cost intensity |
Fuel-saving recommendations
- Match engine loading to the most efficient operating band.
- Reduce unnecessary standby, idling, and low-load operation.
- Maintain pumps, cutters, injectors, filters, and hull condition.
- Optimize pipeline routing and minimize avoidable discharge resistance.
- Track actual burn rates against planned activity profiles.
- Use scenario comparisons before changing equipment or schedules.
Frequently asked questions
What is SFOC?
Specific fuel oil consumption measures fuel used for produced engine energy. Lower values often indicate stronger efficiency at comparable operating conditions. Always confirm SFOC against the engine manufacturer's latest documentation.
Can I calculate with gallons?
Yes. Select US gallons or Imperial gallons for fuel outputs. Internal calculations use liters for consistent project comparisons throughout.
How should standby time be entered?
Add standby as a separate operating activity. Enter a low load or measured standby burn rate. Separate standby records improve planning accuracy across extended projects.
Does the calculator include auxiliary engines?
Yes. Add auxiliary, booster, and generator engines as separate rows. Assign every activity to its correct engine equipment group.
How is the reserve calculated?
The reserve applies after the entered fuel-loss allowance. It increases fuel available for delays and operating uncertainty. Select reserves matching company policy and project risk requirements.
Can I use an actual measured burn rate?
Yes. Choose the known hourly burn-rate calculation method. Activity overrides accept measured fuel use for specific tasks.
What does tank endurance mean?
Tank endurance estimates usable operating time before minimum safe fuel. It uses starting fuel, minimum level, and average consumption. Actual endurance changes when daily operating demand varies significantly.
How are emissions estimated?
Carbon dioxide equals required liters multiplied by the selected factor. The factor remains editable for verified project-specific fuel information. Treat emissions as estimates until operating records confirm them.
Why compare production duration?
The comparison detects mismatched volume, rate, efficiency, and duration assumptions. Large differences can reveal scheduling or input errors early. Review project production records before approving final fuel plans.
Can this replace manufacturer fuel curves?
No. Manufacturer curves and measured vessel data usually provide better accuracy. Use this calculator for planning, checking, and scenario comparisons.
Is the result suitable for contracts?
Use verified equipment data and current commercial prices. Review operating logs, weather allowances, and fuel delivery constraints. Obtain professional approval before contractual or safety-critical project decisions.
Important estimation notice
This calculator provides planning estimates from entered assumptions. Actual use changes with weather, currents, sediment, and equipment condition. Verify decisions using manufacturer data and measured operating records.