The three major shipping giants join hands to develop a combined gas turbine, electric and steam (COGES) propulsion and power system technology.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Lloyd’s Register (LR) and General Electric (GE) have partnered to develop a gas turbine-powered, electrically driven, 14,000teu container ship design. This initiative marks the latest step in the development of gas turbine-powered ship designs that can run on diesel as well as gas. This design is best suited for deep-sea commercial applications.
Highlights of the new design
- The design aims to enhance the operational efficacy of gas turbine systems in mainstream cargo shipping.
- The design allows for flexible configuration.
- Total installed power can meet today’s highest requirements additionally advantaged with lightweight and compact space utilisation.
- GE gas turbines can be equipped with a GE Dry Low Emissions (DLE) or single annular combustion system – both capable of meeting Tier III IMO/Tier IV United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements now with no exhaust treatment and no methane slip.
- Turbines are flexible to run on diesel as well as gas as per requirement.
- Gas turbine power can be used on the hour basis, and gas can be swapped into and out of the system within 24 hours.
- Maximised operational duration and easy enabling of maintenance condition can be obtained without hindering the ship’s operations.
According to LR design innovation strategic marketing manager Sung-Gu Park, “The project is scheduled to be subjected to hazard identification (HAZID) studies and a COGES Operation Modes evaluation.”
The HAZID studies are said to assess the project design’s power station configuration, hazardous areas, structural integrity, safe separation, pipe routing and ventilation. The gas combustion unit and compressors will be tested to estimate the technical risks they might exert while operational to ensure safety and operability.
“The gas turbine is so lightweight – fully 80% lighter and 30% smaller than comparable slow-speed diesel applications – that it can be located anywhere on the ship” says, GE Marine operations vice-president Brien Bolsinger.
Source: Lloyd’s Register
