The prospect of sustained high fuel prices has provoked widespread interest in finding energy efficiency strategies to mitigate the overall impact to the fishing sector. Energy efficiency is a result of a methodological approach. The cornerstone of this methodological approach lies in a continuous monitoring of energy performance of the vessel. With a periodical investigation it is possible to identify increasing in energy (fuel) consumption, reacting immediately to solve as soon as possible. So that it is necessary to define a tool, to standardize energy usage analysis.

An Energy Audit tool were conceived at CNR – ISMAR of Ancona. For each vessel monitored, through a preliminary interview to the owner, technical information were collected. On the basis of the energy layout obtained from technical information, the measurement kit were prepared for monitoring fuel consumption, power delivered, speed and course, gear drag, hydraulic and electric power usage. One observer participated to the fishing cruise, compiling a registry event to relate energy consumption to different events. A devoted software registered data during fishing activity, providing sensors synchronization. The result of collected data processing is the energetic profile of the vessel. Once the energetic profile is defined, it is possible to identify heavy energy users and to investigate deeper on possibility to reduce energy usage and fuel consumption. Through energetic performance indicators fishing vessel is characterized during trawling and sailing phases. Energy Audit carried out highlighted low propulsion system efficiency, typically with a fixed pitch propeller, especially during trawling for pelagic pair trawlers. Further analysis on propeller parameters could state if it is possible to improve propulsion system efficiency.