Marine Vessels

Marine Vessels

The fishing industry provides a significant contribution to overall economic activity and employment in Newfoundland and Labrador. In recent years, there has been increased attention to enhancing the fuel efficiency of marine vessels to offset higher fuel prices and maintain competitiveness.

Improving the Efficiency of Marine Vessels

Like personal vehicles, enhancing the fuel efficiency of marine vessels requires a combination of driving habits and new technologies. The Canadian Centre of Fisheries Innovation and the provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture have published a set of fact sheets that provide easy-to-understand information and practical advice to be more fuel-efficient.

These fact sheets include:

• Speed reduction (pdf)
• Small boats (pdf)
• Bulbs and anti-roll devices (pdf)
• Fishing gear efficiency (pdf)
• Hull and engine maintenance (pdf)
• Hull modifications (pdf)
• New vessel considerations (pdf)
• Propulsion and shafting (pdf)

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has also completed an energy audit project where samples of various vessel sizes were audited to identify potential fuel savings. To date, the results from this work show that fuel savings of 10-20% could be achieved by adopting a variety of vessel modifications and driving in a fuel-efficient manner.

For more information about enhancing the fuel-efficiency of marine vessels, please contact the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at 709-729-3723 or fisheries@gov.nl.ca.