Optimization of Fuel Consumption for an Offshore Supply Tug Using a Backtracking Algorithm

Dragoș Filimon (), Eugen Roșca and Florin Valentin Ruscă
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Dragoș Filimon: Transport Faculty, National University of Science and Technology Polytechnic Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independenței, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Eugen Roșca: Transport Faculty, National University of Science and Technology Polytechnic Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independenței, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Florin Valentin Ruscă: Doctoral School of Transport, National University of Science and Technology Polytechnic Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 22, 1-18

Abstract: This paper introduces a backtracking algorithm for the fuel optimization of an offshore supply tugboat. The aim is to determine the optimal cruising speed that minimizes fuel use under operational constraints. Many older vessels in local offshore regions face limitations in adopting new fuel efficient technologies due to financial constraints. Hence, alternative cost-effective methods are needed to improve energy use and reduce emissions from these older ships. We propose using a backtracking algorithm to systematically explore all potential speed solutions and find the optimal one. Operational constraints like time restrictions and weather factors are incorporated during the optimization. The algorithm branches out to potential solutions and backtracks when they violate constraints. This allows for the pruning of infeasible solutions to improve the computational efficiency. The study provides the basis for optimizing offshore voyages as a sustainable transportation activity. Further work could expand the technique by adding parameters and real-time data.

Keywords: maritime transport; fuel consumption optimization; backtracking algorithm (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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