The Lars Maersk (left) which docked in Cape Town last week is a beacon to the line’s sustainability message. To improve sustainability and cost it averages speeds of 12-13 knots when at sea. This results in consumption of about 45 to 50 metric tons of fuel over 24 hours. If that speed is increased to the maximum high speed of 24 knots, the fuel consumption rises to 180 metric tons. Avoiding delays – which are not always in the line’s hands – is therefore critical for optimum efficiency.
