The E.R. Schiffahrt fleet currently comprises 125 container ships, bulk carriers and offshore supply vessels, which are deployed by leading liner and bulk commodity shipping companies and in the offshore industry. E.R. Schiffahrt plans to train its captains and chief engineers with the e-learning course offered via the DNV GL's Maritime Academy, while at the same time continuing to improve the energy footprint on board its vessels through targeted measures.
Kathrin Stürzekarn, Team Leader Maritime Academy Germany, explains: "The Maritime Academy focused intently on E.R. Schiffahrt's specific requirements and delivered a tailored solution. A team of developers explored the specific elements of on-board operations, as well as the potential opportunities available by changing crew behaviour and optimising how equipment is used on-board."
The various modules help participants with both the practical and theoretical aspects of improving shipping operations for energy efficiency, such as optimising trim and ballast, potential savings with propellers and rudders, as well as options for better route planning. Simple steps are used to explain how and where each individual measure can be introduced and implemented, how the benefits of improved process flows affect ship operations, and how great the potential energy savings can be.
"Our captains and chief engineers are the main target group for this e-learning course", says Ronald Schnitter, Head of HR Sea at E.R. Schiffahrt, "Alongside the technical details discussed during the training, there are modules on team work and team development to improve communication on board that are very interesting for our crew."
"We are very pleased that E.R Schiffahrt is the first shipping company to use the new e-learning course exclusively across its entire fleet. The concept is based on content that is quick to teach which optimises process flows and saves energy. For example, when implemented effectively, the methods taught for clever manoeuvring can save time and money", adds Christian Heitmann, DNV GL Key Account Manager Business Development for Germany.
About E.R. Schiffahrt
E.R. Schiffahrt, a ship owner and ship management company, is one of Germany's largest charter shipping lines for container and bulk carriers. Currently it controls 112 vessels in service in the container, bulk and multipurpose segments. The shipping line founded in 1998 by Erck Rickmers employs around 4,000 people on land and at sea. Founded in 2006, shipping line E.R. Offshore currently manages 13 special ships for transporting oil and gas, as well as for the construction and supply of wind parks at sea. Its ships are deployed around the world. www.er-ship.com
About DNV GL - Maritime
DNV GL is the world's leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry - across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. In the field of training the DNV GL Maritime Academy provides examples of how target oriented measures undertaken can actually achieve the customer's desired effect. www.dnvgl.com/maritime-academy