Maersk ship

Maersk Line has this week announced that a change in the design of the bulb on 22 of its container ships could help save around 15,000 tonnes in fuel and reduce carbon emissions by 45,000 tonnes each year.

Maersk Maritime Technology said that by testing and implementing a new design for the bulb, which is a bulbous-shaped piece on the bow of the ship designed to decrease resistance through the water, the vessel efficiency of the 22 ships in question had been improved.

It represents the second time that the Maritime team has achieved significant savings from a bulb design change, according to the group.

'We've now proved twice in a row that by challenging shipyard designs and combining model tests with operational profiles, we can make major reductions in fuel consumption,' said Troels Posborg, senior general manager at Maersk Maritime Technology.