E

4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
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MEPC.1/Circ.901
24 June 2022

GUIDANCE ON METHODS, PROCEDURES AND VERIFICATION OF

IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

1 The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its seventy-eighth session

(6 to 10 June 2022), approved the Guidance on methods, procedures and verification of in-
service performance measurements for the purpose of the EEXI calculation, as set out in the
annex.

2 Member Governments are invited to bring the annexed Guidance to the attention of
their Administrations, industry, relevant shipping organizations, shipping companies and other
stakeholders concerned.

***

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ANNEX

GUIDANCE ON METHODS, PROCEDURES AND VERIFICATION OF IN-SERVICE

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 OVERVIEW

3 PREPARATIONS

4 DURING THE IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

5 AFTER THE IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

APPENDIX A – INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO CONDUCTING THE IN-

SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS.

APPENDIX B – INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED FOR VERIFICATION AFTER THE IN-

SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS.

APPENDIX C – EXAMPLE OF THE IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

REPORTING FORM

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1 Introduction

In cases where the speed-power curve is not available or the sea trial report does not contain
the EEDI or design load draught condition, the ship speed Vref can be obtained from the in-
service performance measurement method for the purpose of the EEXI calculation, in
accordance with paragraph 2.2.3.5 of the EEXI Calculation Guidelines, as set out in resolution
MEPC.350(78).

2 Overview

2.1 When carrying out the in-service performance measurements, common international
standards1 should be referred to, unless explicitly specified in this guidance.

2.2 An overview of preparations and procedures are outlined in the table below. The
preparations and the processes should be discussed and agreed at the pre-meeting, see
section "Preparations”.
Table 1: In-service performance sea trial preparations and procedures
In-service performance measurement analysis

Step 1: Preparing sensors • Speed log / GPS

• Echosounder
• Heading control
• Fuel flow meter
• Shaft torsion meter
• Draft measurement
• Gyro compass

Step 2: Pre-trial parameters • Displacement

• Forward/Aft draughts
• Water depth
• Air/Sea temperature
• Seawater density
• Anemometer height
• Fuel density
• Fuel LCV

Step 3: In-service performance • Sea state

measurement • Wind
• Water depth
• Currents

Step 4: During trial parameters • Reported data

• System prints
• Equipment control
• Fuel analysis

Step 5: Documentation • Shaft RPM/Power

• Heading
• Ship's speed
• Distance
• Wind speed/direction
• Current speed/direction
• Wave height/period/direction

1
Such as ITTC quality procedures, ISO 15016:2002, ISO 15016:2015 and/or ISO 19030:2016.

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2.3 When using the in-service performance measurement method, a meeting should be
arranged between all stakeholders involved in the process: the owner, the possible consultant,
the verifier and the authority before conducting the in-service performance measurements. An
overview of the available information including but not limited to ship design, energy saving
devices (ESD) and measurement sensors should be included. The plan for the period of the
in-service performance measurements should be agreed upon and expectations regarding the
delivery of the analysis and its format should be aligned.

3 Preparations

3.1 One of the most important aspects of a successful in-service performance

measurement procedure is the preparation. Relevant instruments should be calibrated and
their operational conditions prior to the commencement of the trials should be confirmed by
the verifier. 2 The list below indicates the primary instruments to be used for collecting the data:

Table 2: Sensors for In-service performance trials

Sensor Remarks
The measurement system should be certified for power
Shaft torque meter measurements with a bias error as small as practicable. Zero setting
checked before and after test.
The GPS system should operate in the differential mode to ensure
GPS
sufficient accuracy.
It should be clear of possible obstructions (superstructure, masts,
Anemometer
funnel, etc.) and its height from sea level recorded.
Draft measurement system (if available and calibrated): Otherwise,
Draft measurements
physical observation is required.
Speed log The sensor should have been cleaned recently.
Important for checking water depth for safety and ensuring there are
Echo sounder
no effects from shallow water on the ship performance.
Should be checked before the trial and be able to provide a course
Course recorder
printout following each trial run.
Either volume flow or mass flow meters to be fitted to ships. Both
Fuel flow meter should be calibrated and cleaned/maintained as per manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Record the ship's heading during the voyage and should be
Gyro compass
calibrated prior to the trials.

3.2 The ship should be equipped with a calibrated shaft torque meter, at least for the
complete duration of the in-service performance measurement. For verification and cross
checks, the detailed fuel properties information, the logged engine room conditions and the
fuel oil consumption details will give an estimate of the power used at a certain fuel oil
consumption value.

3.3 If an automated data acquisition system is installed on board, this should be checked
for accuracy prior to the performance measurements, to ensure that the system has the
required precision and measurement frequency, that can provide a trace of all the data
required.

2
The Verifier is the flag Administration, or a competent organization delegated by the flag Administration.

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3.4 Before the start of each performance measurement run, the following should be noted
in the data logging template form (example appendix C):

Table 3: In-service environment and conditions

Parameter Remarks
Displacement Speed trials should be performed at displacement and draught
conditions, which are comparable to those of the delivery sea
trials or model tests or assumed ballast conditions. The trim shall
be maintained within very narrow limits. For the even keel
Draught forward, mid and aft condition, the trim shall be less than 0.1 % of the length between
perpendiculars. For the trimmed trial condition, the fore draught
shall be within ± 0.1 m of the ship's ideal condition.
Water depth No remarks
Air temperature Air temperature and pressure should be measured using a
calibrated thermometer and barometer.
Air pressure
Sea water temperature The local seawater temperature and density at the trial site
should be recorded to enable the calculation of the ship's
Sea water density displacement and corrections with regards to viscosity. The water
temperature should be taken at the waterline level.
Anemometer height Its height from sea level should be recorded.
Fuel density The fuel's density and LCV to be obtained from a laboratory’s
analysis report.
Fuel LCV

3.5 The in-service performance measurements should be performed at the EEXI draught
condition, and if data exists for a reference condition, then a set of in-service performance
measurements may also be performed at this condition in order to better calibrate the speed-
power relation.

.1 The reference condition is the condition for which the ship documentation
exists, e.g. a sea trial curve in ballast or a sea trial/model test curve in
design conditions. The in-service performance measurement result may be
calibrated towards the reference condition curve. The use of a reference
condition, if available, should not lead to overestimation of the Vref but can
be a useful tool to verify and calibrate the speed-power relation. If a
reference condition is used, this calibration result may also be used for the
EEXI draught condition.

.2 The EEXI draught condition is the draught condition as provided by

paragraph 2.2.2 of the 2018 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the
attained EEDI for new ships (resolution MEPC.308(73), as amended, the
"EEDI Calculation Guidelines" hereafter). The performance measurements
results are used with the same calibration factor as at the reference
condition if available.

3.6 In case the exact EEXI draught condition cannot be met, the Admiralty Coefficient
formula may be accepted to adjust the speed-power relation, only for displacement variations
of up to 2%, or to the satisfaction of the verifier.

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3.7 The ship should perform at least one set of in-service performance measurements for
the EEXI draught condition, and at power settings equivalent to the EEDI trial conditions (set
out in MEPC.1/Circ.855/Rev.2, as amended). If that is not possible, then at each of the
following power settings of 30%, 60%, 75% and 90% of MCR, with a margin of +/– 5%. If data
for a reference condition is available, another set of in-service performance measurements
should also be carried out at this condition for calibration purposes.

3.8 In case where an overridable Shaft/Engine Power Limitation is installed, the power
settings of 30%, 60%, 83% and 90% of the limited power may be used, with a margin of +/– 5%
for both sets of in-service performance measurements, to the satisfaction of the verifier.

3.9 If the in-service performance measurements are performed at consecutive power

settings, sufficient time in between change of settings should be considered, to be sure that
steady state conditions are obtained.

3.10 The duration of each run should be performed according to table 4.

3.11 Prior to the in-service performance measurements, the weather forecast should be
studied to ensure that favourable weather conditions will prevail during the trials (close to calm
conditions).

3.12 Crew members involved in the execution should be familiar with the performance
measurements and be aware of their tasks and the importance of the measurements collected.

3.13 Safety of the ship is paramount, and the performance measurements should be
suspended should any risks to the ship and/or crew be detected. All rules and regulations, as
well as good seamanship, are to be followed at all times.

3.14 The conditions and plans specified in this section should be examined and confirmed
by the verifier prior to the in-service performance measurements.

3.15 The ship may experience fouling of the hull and the propeller, which may influence
the performance of the ship. If the ship is heavily fouled during the in-service performance
measurements, the Vref attained may be less than expected and this will lead to a penalty in
the attained EEXI. It is recommended to carry out in-service performance measurements when
the ship has a clean hull and propeller.

3.16 The ship may have installed ESDs post delivery. This will affect the performance and
the in-service measurement may be used to reflect the effect of ESDs, as provided in
paragraph 2.2.3.7 of the EEXI Calculation Guidelines.

4 During the in-service performance measurements

4.1 Once the in-service performance measurements have begun, variations should be
minimized, as the accuracy of the ship performance measurements can be influenced greatly
by fluctuations in the parameters. Thus, all control levers should remain unchanged.

4.2 An experienced helmsman or adaptive autopilot will be required to maintain heading

during each run. Minimum rudder angles are to be used while maintaining a steady heading.
The helm corrections should be limited to five (5) degrees or less.

4.3 The following conditions should be met, in order to reduce the influence of corrections
and obtain the best possible accuracy of the results of the performance measurements:

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Table 4: Environmental conditions for in-service performance measurements

Parameter Remarks
Sea state Conditions as specified in ISO 15016: 2015
Wind speed Conditions as specified in ISO 15016: 2015
Water depth Conditions as specified in ISO 15016: 2015
Avoid areas with known high current values and variations. During the trials,
Currents the following condition should be met: 𝑉𝑉𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 − 𝑉𝑉𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 < 0.3 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘,
or conditions as specified in ISO 15016: 2015
Trials period Trials should be conducted in daylight
The run duration should be the same for all speed runs with a minimum of
Duration
10 minutes, see figure 1 below

4.4 If any of above conditions are no longer met during in-service performance
measurements, it should be necessary to abandon the run.

4.5 Each set of the in-service performance measurements in the respective load condition
should be executed as at least one set of double runs. It is important that the ship is running
on the same track and when the monitoring begins, the conditions are in steady state
conditions. Each speed run should be commenced and completed at the same place.

Figure 1: Sea trials with double runs

4.6 During the in-service performance measurements, accurate recordings of the

required parameters are of great importance. Recording of parameters for each run should
start when steady state ship conditions are met.

4.7 The following data should be collected at the beginning and end of each performance
measurement run:

Main engine supply flowmeter reading [ltr/h] or [kg/h]

Main engine supply flowmeter temperature [deg]
Main engine return line flowmeter reading* [ltr/h] or [kg/h]
Main engine return line flowmeter temperature* [deg]

(*For ships fitted with flowmeter on return line)

4.8 The following data should be collected with a sampling rate of at least 1 Hz during the
in-service performance measurement:

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Table 5: Logged parameters during in-service performance measurements

Parameter Unit
Date dd-mm-yyyy
Time hh:mm:ss
Revolution counter reading [s-1]
Shaft power [kW]
Heading [deg]
Ship's speed (GPS and Speed Log) [knots]
Distance ("0" should be at the beginning of each run) [nm]
Relative wind speed [m/s]
Relative wind direction (coming from) [deg]
Current speed [knots]
Relative current direction (going to) [deg]
Observed wave height [m]
Observed wave period [s]
Observed wave direction (going to) [deg]

4.9 Apart from power, rpm and consumption, average prevailing values for the following
main engine parameters should be provided for each run for the following:

Scavenge air temperature [deg]

Scavenge air pressure [kg/cm2]
Blower air inlet temperature [deg]

4.10 These, as well as any other main engine data should be collected at local sensors'
display and not their repeaters inside the ECR.

4.11 As far as practicable, the in-service performance measurement should be witnessed

by the verifier. The verifier should be able to confirm that the in-service performance
measurement was conducted in accordance with the agreed procedures.

5 After the in-service performance measurements

5.1 All information collected should be checked by the verifier and any errors/typos should
be noted in supplementary documentation, including any corrected/replaced values clearly
marked in the form. Data which is continually recorded should be provided "as is" and non-
variable data should be noted at the beginning and the end of the in-service performance
measurements in order to confirm that any changes are set to a minimum.

5.2 For each run the following should be submitted:

.1 one filled-in soft copy of the "In-service performance monitoring reporting

form" (appendix C);

.2 printouts and/or soft copies from the performance monitoring system output;

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.3 printouts and/or soft copies from the loading computer calculations

representing the loading condition at which the run took place; and

.4 printouts and/or soft copies from the course recorder for the period covering
the run.

5.3 Also, a copy of the fuel oil analysis for the fuel used during the in-service performance
measurements should be submitted.

5.4 Any comments about the in-service performance measurements, including any large
variations in environmental conditions, should be noted.

5.5 A summary of the required information to be submitted for verification can be found
in appendix A, B, and C.

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APPENDIX A

INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO CONDUCTING THE IN-SERVICE

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

The following information should be submitted prior to conducting the performance

measurements.

Document Mandatory Optional

Hydrostatics
Shop tests of main engine
Sea trials (machinery and hull part)
Model tests
Propeller characteristics and structural drawings
GA drawing
Details of appendages and rudder
Fuel oil piping diagram

Shipʹs main particulars

IMO number:
Date delivered:
Ship's email address(s):
Date ship was launched (when did ship
enter the water):
Ship's name:
Owner:
Managing company:
Ship type:
Ship capacity
Yard:
Length overall (m):
Length between perpendiculars (m):
Breadth moulded (m):
Depth to upper deck (m):
Design draft (m):
Design displacement (mt):
EEXI draft (m):
Displacement at EEXI draft (mt)
Lightship weight (mt)

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Design speed (knots):

Dry-docking history (within the last five years ):

Date Yard Coating specs Hull treatment
Please attach Please attach

Hull cleaning and propeller polishing history since last dry-dock:

Date Place Brief description of works Propeller polishing standard*

*only for propeller polishing events

Main engine(s)
Maker:
Type:
Number:
Type of fuel:
MCR (kW):
SMCR (kW) x RPM:

Main engine modifications/upgrades

Yes No
Derating
T/C cut offs
Part load tuning
Low load tuning
Retrofit
(please provide details)
Other modifications
(please provide details)

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Propeller(s) including modifications/upgrades

Type: (FP or CPP)
Diameter (m)
Pitch (m)
Number
Yes No
Trimmed
Other (please state)

Propulsion improvement devices

Yes No
Ducts
Fins
Other (please provide details)

Power measurements
Yes No
By torsion meter
(Details of torsion meter including last calibration)
By load indicator diagrams
Other method (please provide details)

Performance monitoring systems

Yes No
PMS
please provide details of type and maker

Fuel measurements
Yes No
By volume flowmeter
(Details of flowmeter including last calibration)
By mass flowmeter
(Details of flowmeter including last calibration)
Soundings

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Other instruments & gauges used for data collection

Dates of Calibration
Speed log
DGPS
Anemometer
Provide height of anemometer in metres: ...........

Other (please provide details)

Additional information
Yes No
Reduction gear
(please provide details)
Shaft motor
(please provide details)
Shaft generator
(please provide details)

Person to be contacted for further info:

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APPENDIX B

INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED FOR VERIFICATION AFTER THE IN-SERVICE

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

The following information needs to be submitted after conducting the in-service performance
measurements.

Document Mandatory Optional

Calibration certificate of torquemeter
Calibration certificate of flowmeters
Calibration certificate of anemometer
Calibration certificate of speed log
Calibration certificate of GPS
Calibration certificate of echosounder
Calibration certificate of gyro compass
Fuel oil analysis

Furthermore, for each run, the following needs to be submitted:

Document Mandatory Optional

Sea trial reporting form
A printout of course recorder
A printout of ME load indicator (depicting the loading condition of the ship
*
during the trials)
A printout/soft copy of the anemometer output (if the anemometer is
*
digital)

* Optional, but highly recommended outputs

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APPENDIX C

EXAMPLE OF THE IN-SERVICE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS REPORTING FORM

The form below includes all in service measurements at one loading condition.

___________

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