Sylvie Willis
The QE2, one of the most famous passenger ships, had a fuel capacity of 4,381.4 tons, which allowed it to sail for 10 days at 32.5 knots without stopping. The ship consumed around 18 tons of fuel per hour or 433 tons per day, and at a cruising speed of 28.5 knots, it could travel 50 feet per gallon of fuel. In 1986/87, QE2 underwent a significant refurbishment, switching from steam power to diesel, which halved its fuel consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel oil tank capacity | 4,381.4 tons |
| Fuel consumption per hour | 18 tons |
| Fuel consumption per day | 433 tons |
| Fuel consumption per gallon | 125 feet |
| Cruising speed | 28.5 knots |
| Fuel consumption at cruising speed per gallon | 50 feet |
| Cruising speed at 20 knots | 8.55 l/100km |
| Fuel consumption at 20 knots | 30 days |
| Fuel capacity | 1 million gallons |
| Cruising range | 7,500 miles |
| Fuel consumption per gallon at cruising range | 39.6 feet |
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What You'll Learn
The QE2 consumed 18 tons of fuel per hour
The QE2, one of the most famous passenger ships, consumed a significant amount of fuel during its operations. According to sources, The QE2 consumed approximately 18 tons of fuel per hour, equivalent to 433 tons per day. This fuel consumption rate allowed the ship to move forward by approximately 15 metres per gallon of fuel, which is less than the length of a cricket pitch.
The ship's fuel efficiency was a topic of interest, with some misconceptions about its performance. One common myth was that the QE2 could only travel 6 inches per gallon of fuel, but this was far from the truth. In reality, the ship was much more fuel-efficient, achieving a cruising speed of 28.5 knots while travelling 50 feet per gallon of fuel. This speed could be maintained using only seven of its nine engines, allowing for essential maintenance to be conducted while at sea without affecting schedules.
The QE2's fuel consumption was influenced by various factors, including its speed and engine configuration. At a slower speed of 20 knots, the ship's fuel efficiency improved significantly, achieving a rate of 13.07 litres per 100 kilometres. The ship's original steam power plant was replaced with a diesel-electric system in 1986-1987, which halved its fuel consumption while maintaining the same service speed. This refurbishment extended the ship's expected service life with Cunard by another 20 years.
The QE2's fuel capacity was approximately one million gallons, according to Cunard. With this fuel capacity and a cruising range of 7,500 miles, the ship could achieve a rough estimate of 39.6 feet per gallon. Cunard also stated that a gallon of fuel could move the QE2 approximately 49 feet in open seas, showcasing its fuel efficiency.
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Fuel capacity: 4,381.4 tons
The QE2's fuel oil tank capacity is 4,381.4 tons, which is equivalent to about one million gallons. This was enough for 10 days of sailing at 32.5 knots, allowing the ship to travel around 7,800 miles without stopping. At a speed of 28.5 knots, the QE2 could travel 50 feet per gallon of fuel. This was a significant improvement in fuel efficiency compared to older ships, which consumed twice as much fuel while travelling at the same speed.
The QE2's fuel efficiency was further enhanced by the use of weight-saving aluminium in its superstructure instead of steel. This weight reduction helped lower fuel consumption. In addition, the ship's service speed of 28.5 knots could be maintained using only seven of its nine engines, resulting in a 35% fuel saving compared to its previous power plant.
The QE2's power plant is diesel-electric, chosen for its reliability and flexibility. In 1986-87, the ship underwent a £100 million refurbishment, replacing its ageing and fuel-thirsty steam plant with nine medium-speed MAN L58/64 nine-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines. Each engine weighs approximately 220 tons and develops 10.5 MW of electrical power at 10,000 volts.
The diesel engines drive C.E.C. generators, supplying auxiliary ship services and hotel services. The electrical power generated also drives the two main propulsion motors, one on each propeller shaft. The maximum output of each motor is 44 MW, giving the QE2 a top speed of over 32 knots.
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Fuel efficiency: 125 feet per gallon
The QE2 was once the world's largest and most famous passenger ship. It was certainly the most powerful. One common misconception is that the QE2 can only travel 6 inches per gallon of fuel. This is incorrect. In fact, per passenger, the QE2 is more fuel-efficient than travelling by car.
The QE2's fuel efficiency is actually 125 feet per gallon. This figure is based on her 1987-fitted diesel-electric power plant. At a cruising speed of 28.5 knots, the QE2 could travel 50 feet per gallon of fuel. At a speed of 20 knots (a more typical speed for a cruise ship), the QE2 was 2.5 times more fuel-efficient.
The QE2's fuel efficiency was improved by a number of design features. Firstly, the use of weight-saving aluminium in the ship's superstructure reduced fuel consumption. Secondly, the QE2's power plant is diesel-electric, a system chosen for its reliability and flexibility. In 1986/87, nine medium-speed MAN L58/64 nine-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines were fitted, replacing the ageing and fuel-thirsty steam plant. This new propulsion system halved the ship's fuel consumption and was expected to extend the ship's service life by 20 years.
The QE2's service speed of 28.5 knots can be maintained using only seven of her nine engines, allowing essential maintenance to be carried out at sea without affecting schedules. At this speed, a 35% fuel saving is made over the previous power plant, despite the fuel used being of the same grade.
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Fuel type: diesel-electric powerplant
The QE2's power plant is a diesel-electric system chosen for its inherent reliability and flexibility. In 1986/87, nine medium-speed MAN L58/64 nine-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines were fitted, replacing the aging and fuel-thirsty steam plant. The new diesel engines drove C.E.C. generators, each developing 10.5 MW of electrical power at 10,000 volts. The diesel-electric system halved the ship's fuel consumption, with a 35% fuel saving at a service speed of 28.5 knots compared to the previous power plant.
The QE2's fuel oil tank capacity of 4,381.4 tons was enough for 10 days of sailing at 32.5 knots, allowing it to travel around 7,800 miles without stopping. At a cruising speed of 28.5 knots, the ship could travel 50 feet per gallon of fuel, or 125 feet per gallon according to another source. This is far more efficient than the often-quoted figure of 6 inches per gallon. At a slower speed of 20 knots, the ship could sail for 30 days or two-thirds of a circumnavigation of the world.
The fuel used by the QE2 is IF 380 (Bunker "C"), which is heated under pressure to 140°C for injection and is similar to road tar at room temperature. The ship's total power output was enough to light a city the size of Southampton, with a maximum output of 44 MW and a top speed of over 32 knots.
The reduction in fuel consumption was achieved through a combination of factors, including the use of weight-saving aluminium in the ship's superstructure and a shallower draught that allowed the ship to enter more small ports and tropical waters. The new diesel-electric propulsion system was expected to extend the QE2's service life with Cunard by another 20 years.
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Fuel cost: £5 million per year
The QE2 was a powerful ship with a fuel oil tank capacity of 4,381.4 tons, which allowed it to sail for 10 days at 32.5 knots without stopping, covering a distance of about 7,800 miles. The ship consumed approximately 18 tons of fuel per hour or 433 tons per day, with each gallon of fuel moving the ship about 15 metres.
In the late 1980s, the QE2 underwent a significant refurbishment, transitioning from steam power to diesel. This upgrade included the installation of nine MAN B&W diesel-electric engines, new propellers, and a heat recovery system. These improvements halved the ship's fuel consumption, enhancing its efficiency.
Despite these advancements, the QE2 still incurred substantial fuel costs. In 1978, the ship's annual fuel expenses amounted to £5 million. This significant cost was a notable expense for the ship's operations, contributing to its overall operational budget.
The QE2's fuel efficiency is a topic of interest, with various sources providing different estimates. Some calculations suggest that at its cruising speed of 28.5 knots, the ship could travel 50 feet per gallon of fuel. Other estimates indicate a range of 39.6 feet per gallon, while Cunard, the ship's operator, stated that a gallon of fuel could move the ship approximately 49 feet in open seas.
The ship's fuel efficiency was influenced by various factors, including speed. At a slower speed of 20 knots, the QE2 could achieve better fuel efficiency, extending its sailing range to 30 days or covering two-thirds of a circumnavigation of the globe.
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Frequently asked questions
The QE2 consumes around 18 tons of fuel per hour, or 433 tons per day. At a cruising speed of 28.5 knots, the ship can travel 50 feet per gallon of fuel, or 39.6 feet per gallon according to Cunard.
The QE2's fuel oil tank capacity of 4,381.4 tons was enough to sail for 10 days at 32.5 knots, allowing it to travel around 7,800 miles without stopping. At a slower speed of 20 knots, it could sail for 30 days or two-thirds of a circumnavigation of the world.
The QE2 was the world's fastest liner at a service speed of 28.5 knots, consuming half the fuel of older ships with the same speed. At this speed, a 35% fuel saving is made over the previous power plant. Per passenger, the QE2 is more efficient than travelling by car.
