DNV has quantified the gains that owners of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers could expect to achieve using the new Dual Fuel, Electric+ (DFE+) solution developed by ABB and MAN Energy Solutions.
Comprising MAN’s four-stroke 49/60DF dual fuel engine and ABB’s Dynamic AC power distribution and control system, the solution has been developed to overcome efficiency challenges that are specific to the vessel type.
Machinery space requirements
DNV’s Maritime Advisory assessment concludes that the DFE+ concept is “a competitive and more energy efficient alternative to even the most efficient conventional dual-fuel LNG carrier propulsion designs.” Smaller machinery space requirements could deliver “a conservative estimate” of 5 percent greater cargo capacity. Combined with other steps to optimise performance, the DFE+ concept could contribute to overall energy savings of 6–7.5% considering the ship’s increased transport work, DNV says.
Smaller machinery space needs could deliver “a conservative estimate” of 5% greater cargo capacity
From January 1, 2023, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has required shipowners to report vessels into an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), an Energy Efficiency Existing Ships Index (EEXI) and an operational Carbon Intensity Index (CII). These tools benchmark ships so that owners know what they must do to meet IMO targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
ABB’s Dynamic AC system
As the newest addition to MAN’s four-stroke portfolio, the MAN 49/60DF engine is optimised for LNG. It is also highly compatible with ABB’s Dynamic AC system, which combines the merits of conventional AC with those of variable frequency to allow the engines to operate on optimal speeds – significantly improving total fuel consumption.
As the unique addition to MAN’s four-stroke portfolio, the MAN 49/60DF engine is optimised for LNG"Owners of LNG carriers face specific challenges in complying with the regulations, given their reliance on propulsion solutions with limited potential for efficiency gains," said Professor George Dimopoulos, Scientific Advisor, DNV. "The ABB – MAN propulsion concept aims to offer a highly effective way for LNG carriers to meet progressively tightening emissions regulations while also reducing fuel costs."
ABB’s Azipod® electric propulsion
“With the current global order book for LNG carriers including more than 200 vessels, and emission regulations continuing to tighten, owners need new technologies to meet the requirements that apply to this specific class of ships,” said Rune Lysebo, Strategic Market Development, ABB Marine & Ports. “DNV’s testimony on the gains available to LNG Carriers with the new solution developed by ABB and MAN Energy Solutions proves the time is right to explore the next-generation technologies for this vessel type.”
DFE+ could be installed with an energy storage solution to operate as a spinning reserve, or come coupled with ABB’s Azipod® electric propulsion. ABB and MAN will also explore integrating fuel cells as the technology matures.
