Question: What is Safety Slowdown, and when does it apply instead of drifting?
Safety Slowdown is a routing engine feature that handles unsafe weather by suggesting a controlled speed reduction instead of requiring the vessel to stop and drift.
The problem it solves Previously, when dangerous weather was detected along a vessel's route, the system could only suggest drifting — requiring the vessel to stop and wait. This is commercially costly and operationally disruptive. Safety Slowdown offers a more efficient alternative.
How it works When unsafe weather is detected within approximately 250 nautical miles ahead along the planned route, the system suggests reducing speed to around half of the vessel's minimum MCR, with a minimum threshold of 4 knots (SoG).
Auxiliary fuel consumption is automatically adjusted based on reduced engine load.
The vessel continues forward movement through the weather window.
Normal speed resumes once conditions improve.
What you'll see
Safety Slowdown segments are highlighted on the route map with a distinct visual style.
The VOP table and PDF exports label these intervals as "Safety Slowdown," including adjusted speed and consumption.
When both Safety Slowdown and Drifting are enabled, Safety Slowdown is prioritised.
Availability Safety Slowdown is not currently available for CP routes.