Safety is the most important factor to consider when loading a ship or planning the loading condition. The vessel must meet stability and strength requirements at all times. Today, e.g. large passenger vessels already operate within a very narrow margin as regards these limits, making it very difficult to achieve the most efficient loading condition.

NAPA OptiFloat enables more efficient and safe planning of the loading condition because it takes the vessel's operational limits (stability and strength) into account. In fully loaded conditions, considerable savings can be achieved realistically and easily by using OptiFloat to re-plan the loading condition. In the case of interim or light conditions, the savings potential increases dramatically.

It is very common to believe that a certain trim requires less power and therefore saves fuel. This, however, is based mostly on feelings and rather than facts. Sometimes it is more economical to reduce the displacement instead of adjusting the trim, which often requires taking on more ballast water.

When a vessel sails with a full load, close to its maximum draft, there is little flexibility for changes in trim, etc. This is the case especially with regard to operational limits; in addition, the safe loading conditions are limited. The stability and strength limits do not necessarily allow the most efficient floating position. If these limitations are not considered, the ship may suffer from structural damages or it may not have an adequate stability margin when it sails. NAPA OptiFloat takes these limitations into account and recommends the best possible solution for the most efficient and safe condition.

In fully loaded conditions, e.g. for modern passenger vessels, the trim is normally flexible, allowing changes that enable potential savings of 250-500 USD/day, while the interim or light loading condition allows changes making it possible to save 1,200-1,600 USD/day.

P&O Cruises has chosen NAPA OptiFloat as a fuel-saving tool, and focuses increasingly on green values in their cruise business.