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Behavioural nudging of crews shows significant potential for reducing emissions in shipping
17 November 2022
Following the joint trial with UCL researchers in the STEAM project funded by MarRI-UK, Signol’s latest trial with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Deutschland (BSMD) saves 13,900 metric tonnes of CO2 in four months and over $3 million USD in fuel costs.
Signol, a software company using behavioural science to cut fuel demand, reduce emissions and operating costs, has announced the results of a four-month pilot onboard Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Deutschland (BSMD) managed ships.
Calculated on the seafarer’s prior performance from analysis of operational data, Signol provided personal milestones and achievements via its app and direct emails, nudging participants toward fuel efficient behaviours and letting them review their voyages. The pilot with BSMD saw Signol deliver individualised carbon-saving targets to 30 Masters and Chief Engineers across 23 BSMD-managed vessels.
The method and results calculated by Signol were independently reviewed by UMAS, which concluded that ‘...the results suggest a clear association of variation in DFOC (Delta Fuel Oil Consumption) values with the nudging of captains …’ and that ‘...the main conclusions that nudging can have a significant effect on DFOC and AEU (auxiliary engines) appear reasonable.’
Dr Nishatabbas Rehmatulla, Principal Research Fellow at UCL Energy Institute said:
“The results demonstrate that there is latent energy saving potential to be tapped into for reducing shipping’s growing emissions. We will need all the tools in the toolbox if we’re to reduce shipping’s emissions in line with the latest science and this trial clearly shows that behavioural nudging to improve operational energy efficiency is one of them”