PERFECt phase two results presented at Nor-Shipping

The JIP looked at the potential of developing an electric-driven 20 000 TEU ultra large container vessel with an LNG-fuelled combined cycle gas and steam turbine (COGES) electric power plant. The aim of the project was to use 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 ultra large container vessels. Phase two of the project looked to validate the results of phase one and develop the concept to a ‘ready to order’ stage.

The project partners include DNV GL, ABB, OMT, GTT, Caterpillar’s Solar Turbines, CMA CGM and its subsidiary CMA Ships.

Gerd Würsig, Business Director for LNG-fuelled ships at DNV GL – Maritime, said: “The PERFECt project has brought a new set of expert capabilities together and delivered promising results.

“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. We have achieved our objectives and now have a validated design concept with enough technical detail to develop a business case.”

In a combination with an all-electric design, the use of a highly efficient combined gas and electric steam turbine (COGES) system offered exceptional performance with several advantages. Propelling the vessel with electrical motors allowed the power generation and propulsion systems to be located in separate parts of the vessel. In addition to this, with the COGES system providing more power for both propulsion and auxiliary system, an engine room was no longer required. So, the power plant, together with the integrated LNG tanks, could be moved below the deck house, freeing up a significant amount of space for additional 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.”

Julien Bec, GTT, Vice-President of LNG as Fuel directorate, added: “GTT is pleased of this partnership with major technical and industrial players to develop the PERFECt project. The results show technical and economic feasibility of the project. Existing technologies can be adopted to make PERFECt II a reality.”

Barbara Stanley, Vice President, Power Generation and Strategic Development, Solar Turbines Inc. (A Caterpillar Company), said: “It is an honour to be part of the PERFECt Ship consortium. The collaboration, innovation and enthusiasm of all partners has resulted in a highly efficient ship concept that leads the way towards the next generation of ocean transport.

“Solar is proud to deliver technical solutions to our customers that are cost-effective and environmentally sensitive. 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. The resulting optimised power generation system is both reliable and highly efficient while being increasingly environmentally friendly.”

Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “ABB is proud to be part of the PERFECt ship project as it underpins our objective to provide the maritime industry with sustainable solutions. 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.”

Christoph Pels Leusden, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, said: “The PERFECt project impressively demonstrates how the innovative coupling of established technologies can generate new options for marine propulsion.”

As well as the vessel’s improved overall arrangement, a tailored hull shape and new propeller design add to the overall efficiency. DNV GL claims that the novel hull form with vertical bow is tailor-made to the operational profile of the vessel, and that with a high efficiency propeller combined with a contra-rotating pod, the total propulsive efficiency is increased by approximately 5%.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/01062017/perfect-phase-two-results-presented-at-nor-shipping/