Unique fuel saving tool for dual rudder

vessels
NautoPilot 5400 NX - Toe Angle Control

05.04.2023
NautoPilot 5400 NX
Four Fuel Saving Features
• Heading & Rudder Plot
• Course Control
• ECOnomy mode (adaptive mode)
• Toe Angle Control
Feature for efficient fuel consumption for
dual rudder vessels
NautoPilot 5400 NX – Toe Angle Control

• Depending on the speed and the draught of the vessel a toe angle has a
positive effect on fuel consumption compared to the parallel /
synchronous operation of rudders. This is achieved by the lower
resistance induced by the rudders.
• Test runs with real installations have proven significant fuel savings of up
to 2.5% when the toe angle is set optimally considering speed and
draught.
Something About Hydrodynamics
• On dual rudder vessels the hull results
an asymmetrical inflow to the rudders
and propellers.
• Therefore, the optimum rudder angle
(max. steering force, min. resistance,
min. fuel consumption) is not equal for
starboard and port rudder.
• The inflow is affected by vessel’s draft,
speed and course.
Details of the flow on the rudders, longitudinal velocity component
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2017.07.056
NautoPilot 5400 NX – Toe Angle Control

• With the Nautopilot 5400 NX the

rudders can be adjusted to the optimal
angle within the propeller thrust.
• Depending on the hull shape, rudder
position, loading situation and speed,
toe-in or toe-out will result best steering
force with least resistance.
Toe In (+) Parallel Toe Out (-)
Return of Invest due to Toe Angle Control
250 Assumptions:
200 - Fuel prices for IFO380 and MDO
- Fuel saving of 2,5 %
150
ROI in d

100
50
0

Amortization in less than two months for most vessels types, in most cases less than one month.
Reference Data from a Real Installation

Ballast Draft Mid Draft Full Draft

Toe Angle +3° +3° +3°
Single Engine Operations
Fuel Saving 2.2 % 4.7 % 0.9 %
Toe Angle +2° +1° -2°
Dual Engine Mid Speed
Fuel Saving 2% 1.3% 3.0 %
Toe Angle +2° +1° -1°
Dual Engine Full Speed
Fuel Saving 2.3 % 1.2 % 0.1 %
Thank You