How do I calculate fuel consumption for a yacht voyage?

Fuel consumption equals main engine litres per hour multiplied by transit time (distance in nautical miles divided by speed in knots), plus generator fuel for the full voyage duration. This estimator adds main engine, transit generator, and port generator fuel, then multiplies by fuel price per litre for total cost.

What is the CO2 emission factor for Marine Gas Oil (MGO)?

The MARPOL Annex VI CO2 emission factor for MGO is 3.206 kg CO2 per kilogram of fuel. For MDO it is 3.151 kg/kg and for HFO it is 3.114 kg/kg. This tool applies these IMO-published factors to calculate voyage CO2 output.

How does cruising speed affect fuel consumption on a yacht?

For displacement vessels fuel consumption increases approximately with the cube of speed. Reducing speed by 10 percent can reduce fuel consumption per hour by up to 27 percent. The estimator lets you compare consumption at different speeds by adjusting the knots input.

What fuel types does this estimator support?

The estimator supports Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). Each has a different MARPOL CO2 emission factor applied. Most superyachts and charter yachts run on MGO; HFO is primarily used in large commercial shipping.

Free Tool

Yacht Fuel & Voyage Cost Estimator

Estimate total fuel consumption, cost, and CO₂ emissions for any voyage. Input distance, speed, engine consumption, and generator use. Results update instantly.

Distance (nm)

Speed (knots)

Main Engine Consumption (L/h)

Generator Consumption (L/h)

Generator Hours per Day

Days at Port (generator only)

Fuel Type

Fuel Price (€/L)

Results

Transit Time

10.0h

Total Fuel

830 L

Total Fuel Cost

€996

CO₂ Emissions

2.66 t

Fuel per nm

8.3 L/nm

Cost per nm

€10/nm

Fuel Breakdown

96%

Main Engine — 800 L (96%)Gen (transit) — 30 L (4%)

Disclaimer

Estimates only. Actual consumption depends on hull condition, sea state, loading, and engine condition. CO₂ factors: MGO/MDO 2.65 kg/L, HFO 3.18 kg/L (approximate). Does not include dock power, provisioning, port fees, or crew costs.

Track actual voyage costs with HelmOps

Log fuel bunkering, voyage costs, and expenses against each trip — with offline support for passages at sea.

Start Free Trial

Related Resources