R/V Point Sur Uses FloScan to Reduce Operating Costs

FloScan announced the first in a new series of vessel case studies that will appear on its website in the coming months. FloScan Fuel Computers have been chosen by operators of a wide range of vessels to assist in reducing operating costs through the monitoring of real-time fuel consumption and by tracking vessel operational data to maintain peak levels of efficiency. Fuel is the single largest recurring expense associated with vessel operation and FloScan is dedicated to providing advanced systems to maximize fuel efficiency.
“Our goal in publishing these ‘case studies’ is to provide information about the various types of vessels employing our technologically advanced systems, how they are being applied and the benefits gained,” said Joe Dydasco, Director of Sales. “And what better way to begin the series than with a University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System research vessel just returning from a 16,000 mile research cruise from California to Antarctica.”
The R/V Point Sur is a 135’ research vessel owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Monterey Bay, California.  In 2009 the main engines were equipped with a basic FloScan Fuel Monitoring System to aid in determining the most fuel efficient mix of engine RPM and propeller pitch for the hull in an effort to reduce overall fuel consumption.
“Ecology and efficiency are top priorities within the UNOLS fleet of research vessels,” said Barrett Carpenter, Chief Engineer aboard the Point Sur. “FloScan fuel computers were installed on the main engines for two reasons: to reduce its impact on the ocean environment and, because the vessel is federally owned and funded through taxpayer dollars, to reduce fuel costs to helps to conserve valuable government resources. “
With three years of operational use with the system in her wake, what type of results did the Point Sur experience? You’ll have to read this fascinating case study to get the answers and along the way you will learn a lot more about the vessel, its history, crew and mission status. It is informative reading for anyone concerned with improving operation efficiency of any gas or diesel powered vessel from recreational boats to small ships like the Point Sur.
FloScan has over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing fuel computer systems for marine, civil aviation and industrial generator use and offers vessel operators the most accurate and dependable systems on the water today. Combined with their array of networking and data logging peripherals, FloScan provides instantaneous and continuous fuel consumption data. This information is the critical link in fine tuning engine, hull and propeller settings to assure the vessel is operating at peak efficiency. A FloScan Fuel Computer also serves as an early warning system for potential mechanical problems and can further reduce fuel costs by accurately logging fuel burn for use in planning refueling stops in ports with the most advantageous prices.
Source: FloScan