ABB and MAN Energy Solutions will develop a propulsion solution with the aim to reduce carbon footprint and fuel costs as well as to increase the operating flexibility of liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers.
The new propulsion plant concept will be suitable for LNG carriers, FSUs (Floating Storage Units) and FSRUs (Floating Storage and Regasification Units).
A combined dual-fuel electric power and propulsion system could be installed with an energy storage solution to enhance load management or come coupled with ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion. MAN and ABB will also explore integrating fuel cells as the technology matures.
MAN’s latest 49/60DF four-stroke engine can run on LNG, diesel, biofuel blends and synthetic natural gas to provide fuel flexibility on the path to decarbonization.
In ABB’s DAC concept, the electrical system combines the merits of conventional AC with the variable frequency which can adjust generator load to engine speeds, thereby optimizing total fuel consumption continuously. Installing an energy storage solution in the power plant will also add to improved fuel efficiency.
This technology will help customers to reduce their CO2 footprint and fuel costs, and provide flexibility in operation. ABB’s DAC system and global presence are an ideal match for our new four-stroke engine
said Elvis Ettenhofer, Head of Marine Four-Stroke – Region Asia Pacific, MAN Energy Solutions.
In addition, Rune Lysebo, Head of Global Sales, ABB Marine & Ports, explained that “the new power and propulsion system will be optimized for efficiency and compliance, and have the flexibility needed to achieve best performance.”
