Volume 2: Tools and Strategies to Enhance Propulsion Efficiency

Abstract

This report, part of the Technology Pathways to a Low Carbon Fishing Fleet series, focuses on technologies and strategies that can reduce propulsion-related energy consumption on commercial fishing vessels. Whether towing mobile fishing gear or transiting between port and fixed gear locations, propulsion is typically the largest power draw on a fishing vessel.

Based on interviews with 148 fishing businesses from across Alaska, the West Coast, and New England, the report explores real-world experiences, motivations, and barriers to adopting energy-efficient innovations, including three innovations featured in the interview questionnaire (fuel flow meters, bulbous bows, and propeller nozzles) as well as numerous innovations introduced to the conversation by interviewees themselves.

Among fishermen who have already implemented energy-saving innovations, we find that benefits often go beyond fuel savings to encompass various co-benefits, such as engine monitoring capabilities, vessel stability, and towing power, depending on the technique applied. Among fishermen contemplating adoption of efficiency innovations, we find that attitudes towards adoption are positively influenced by a desire for fuel savings as well as various non-efficiency co-benefits, and negatively influenced by lack of familiarity, uncertainty about context-specific efficiency benefits, high costs, installation effort, and impacts to operational routines. The report provides evidence of broad support for comprehensive inclusion of propulsion efficiency innovations within state, federal, and private incentive programs.