ABB will equip two DFDS vessels with shaft generators that will raise their energy efficiency, in order to meet the latest environmental regulations. Two shaft generators will be installed in each of the cargo Ro-Ro ships, allowing the main engines to operate at a wider speed range.
As the company explained, the shaft generator system takes its power from main engines, thereby increasing safety, if there is a failure on the auxiliary engine. By using an alternative power source, the shaft generators allow the main engines and the propeller pitch to be optimized no matter what the vessel speed, adding the load on the main engine and improving overall fuel efficiency. The shaft generator system also allows the ship to shut down its auxiliary engines when it berths, therefore reducing emissions and vibrations.
The two 6,700 lane meter Ro-Ro’s, the largest ever freight vessels to be built for DFDS, will be built by Jinling Shipyard in China for delivery at the beginning of 2019, with an option of a further four vessels.
