Phase two of the PERFECt joint industry project (JIP) to develop an electric-driven 20,000 TEU ultra large container vessels (ULCV) has reached a 'ready to order' stage.
Project partners ABB, DNV GL, Odense Maritime Technology (OMT), Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), Caterpillar’s Solar Turbines, CMA CGM, and its subsidiary CMA Ships, have confirmed that phase two of the project has validated the phase one results.
The PERFECt JIP will use an LNG-fuelled combined cycle gas and steam turbine (COGES) electric power plant to power the ship, utilizing LNG as a primary fuel for an ultra-low emissions profile in a design with at least the same carrying capacity and efficiency as existing ULCCs.
Gerd Würsig, Business Director for LNG-fuelled ships at DNV GL – Maritime, said: “The impulse behind this project was the interest in seeing how a modern ultra large container ship design could benefit from clean fuel and highly efficient COGES technology.”
Propelling the ship with electrical motors enabled the power generation and propulsion systems to be placed in separate sections of the ship.
The COGES system providing power for propulsion and auxiliary systems meant an engine room was not needed any more.
The power plant, together with the integrated LNG tanks, could also be moved below the deck house – freeing up considerable space for more container slots.
Thomas Eefsen, Chief Commercial Officer, OMT, said: “The COGAS electric propulsion system provides larger flexibility for arrangement of containers in combination with a high overall propulsive efficiency of the vessel.”
Barbara Stanley, Vice President, Power Generation and Strategic Development, Solar Turbines, commented: “Our SoLoNOx Dry Low Emissions (DLE) Gas Turbines, which operate on LNG, will not only exceed any current marine emission restrictions, but provide a wide margin against anticipated future restrictions.”
In addition to the improved overall arrangement of the vessel, a tailored hull shape and new propeller design add to the overall efficiency.
The novel hull form with vertical bow is tailor-made to the operational profile of the vessel, and with a high efficiency propeller in combination with a contra-rotating pod, the total propulsive efficiency is increased by around 5%.
Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “The PERFECt ship is fitted with our custom-made propulsion solutions which combines outstanding propulsion efficiency and excellent manoeuvrability, enabling safe and environmentally friendly vessel operation.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Pels Leusden, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, commented: “The PERFECt project impressively demonstrates how the innovative coupling of established technologies can generate new options for marine propulsion.”
LNG use is on the up at the moment.
