Reducing emissions by at least 75%
Claims have been appearing in the media that a company has redefined marine propulsion, saying that its system increases propulsion efficiency and reduces emissions by at least 75% for various sizes of ships.
Gamma Light and Heavy Industries seems somewhat reticentabout revealing details about its system or even about its own location. But ‘The Gamma Propulsion System’ (TGPS) seems to be based on electrically-driven pump-jet type thrusters distributed around the ship. The company says that its system is a far more efficient way of converting horsepower into thrust – a ship originally propelled by a 3,000bhp main engine could achieve equivalent performance with TGPS from a total installed power of 600bhp to 750bhp.
Tank tests of the pump jet have been witnessed by a surveyor from Lloyd’s Register Asia; results recorded on the certificate suggested that at different motor frequencies, thrust measurements of between 5.24 times and 6.17 times “better than an average ship’s propeller” were recorded. The tests were carried out in Queensland, Australia, on behalf of Douglas Bruce/Pacific Paramount Ltd of Brisbane; apparently to verify the performance of the electrically-driven pump units for both ship propulsion and use in a water theme park.
The company claims that TGPS is capable of manoeuvring a displacement vessel in all directions – forward, aft, sideways, spin in its own length and crab – using its power range right up to full thrust, and is purpose designed as the main method of propulsion for freighters, bulk carriers, oil tankers and container ships. It says that the system is suitable for retrofitting as well as new installations.
Gamma Light & Heavy Industries says itis currently seeking partners and investors to take the idea further.
Source: The Motorship