Question

The fuel consumption in water transport decreases as the depth of water between the bottom of the ship and the bottom of the river increases.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was posed to me in an interview for internship.

My query is from Navigable Waterways Requirements in section River Navigation & Tank Irrigation of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) True

Easiest explanation: The fuel consumption in water transport also depends on the available draft. When the clear depth between the barge and the river reduces, an increased drag force is developed which increases the consumption of fuel. If the clear space is increased from 0.6 to 1.5 m or so the fuel consumption can be reduced by about 25%.