Liquid Cargo Transport and Physical Challenges

Mihhail talked about the construction of tankers and how LNG maritime transport has become increasingly important due to political and economic factors. The complexity of transporting liquefied natural gas arises from its physical properties: "Natural gas is cooled to a liquid. However, keeping it in liquid form is challenging because any rise in temperature causes evaporation and a pressure rise in the tank."

Special spherical tanks are used to store liquefied gas. Mihhail explained: "Good design distributes stresses evenly, making the structure more durable." The biggest advantage of the spherical design is the minimal surface area through which heat can enter the tank.

Tank heating is undesirable because "every percent of evaporated gas means a huge financial loss. Therefore, special composite panels filled with air chambers are used for insulation to help maintain low temperatures."

The Role of Data Analysis in Shipping

The main tool for optimizing ship operations and fuel consumption is data analysis. VPS focuses on performance analysis and optimization. Other parts of the parent company, GTT, focus on other aspects like route optimization. 

"Every percent of saved fuel is important," noted Mihhail. "Effective analysis relies on historical data of ships, including fuel consumption, weather conditions, and the technical condition of the ship. For example, if a ship needs to go from Manchester to New York and there is a storm on the way, the operator must consider whether taking a direct route through the storm or going around it is more economically beneficial."

Mihhail pointed out that ship operators often face a dilemma of choosing a route that is shorter but consumes more fuel, or a longer route with better weather conditions. The optimal solution depends on various factors: "The captain is responsible for safety, but the clients want maximum savings. Our task is to find a balance between the two."

Future Predictions and Maintenance Strategies

Optimizing ship maintenance is also an important aspect of cost reduction. Biological fouling on the ship's hull increases resistance and fuel consumption. Mihhail explained: "If the ship's resistance increases, fuel consumption also rises. But too frequent maintenance is expensive. The job of operational analysts is to find the optimal time for maintenance to balance costs and fuel savings."

Optimizing ship maintenance is also an important aspect of cost reduction. Biological fouling on the ship's hull increases resistance and fuel consumption. Mihhail explained: "If the ship's resistance increases, fuel consumption also rises. But too frequent maintenance is expensive. The job of operational analysts is to find the optimal time for maintenance to balance costs and fuel savings."

For example, propeller maintenance can significantly affect fuel consumption. "Polishing propellers can reduce resistance and increase efficiency. Accurate models help companies decide when the right time for maintenance is."

Looking to the past and the future

The future of maritime transport increasingly depends on precise data analysis and physics-based engineering solutions. Optimal ship design, route analysis, and maintenance planning help reduce costs and increase efficiency. Mihhail's experience in data analysis and shipping optimization shows how science and technology help solve complex global logistics problems.

The future of maritime transport increasingly depends on precise data analysis and physics-based engineering solutions. Optimal ship design, route analysis, and maintenance planning help reduce costs and increase efficiency. Mihhail's experience in data analysis and shipping optimization shows how science and technology help solve complex global logistics problems.

Mihhail's work at VPS also highlights the importance of accurate data analysis in shipping. The construction, maintenance, and operation of large LNG tankers is a complex engineering problem where physics, materials science, and economics must work together. Data analysts help companies optimize ship fuel consumption, plan maintenance, and predict future logistical needs. This not only saves money but also helps reduce environmental impacts, as more efficient shipping means lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions.