While steaming at 16.3 knots, your vessel consumes 363 barrels of fuel oil per day. In order to reduce consumption to 298 barrels of fuel oil per day, what is the maximum speed the vessel can turn for?

Correct Answer: Option A — 15.3 knots

Fuel consumption is proportional to the cube of the speed (C1/C2 = V1^3/V2^3). Using the given consumption rates of 363 and 298 barrels, calculate the ratio of the speeds. Solving for the new speed V2 yields 15.3 knots, the maximum speed possible for the reduced fuel consumption rate.