cussion, the term "fuel costs" is defined as that term is used in this study. Consideration is also given to the effects on fuel costs of (1) fuel type, (2) engine type, and (3) engine power.
Fuel costs represent the funds expended to propel a ship. Fuel is the source of propellant power. Such fuels may be oil, coal, or nuclear power to either power engines directly or to generate steam to power engines to propel a ship. Ships may also be propelled by wind. Approximately 95 percent of ocean cargo and passenger ships are powered by oil. Oil fuel for ships is a derivative of crude oil that has been processed into distillates and residual fuel oils. Distillates include diesel oil use to power some ships, while residual fuel oils include heavy fuel oil (bunker oil) used to power other ships. The proportion of fuel costs to total ship operating costs varies widely as a consequence of a multitude of factors. Ship speed, however, is the most important determinant of fuel
...