Conventional Propulsion Systems News

Rolls-Royce and Canadian vessel designers Robert Allan have developed the world's first shallow-water push boat powered by LNG natural gas engines. DNV GL gave its “Approval in Principle” to the new design at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans. “The interest of the market regarding the design study of Robert Allan and Rolls-Royce confirms that the decision was right to develop a lean-burn gas engine. We have found operators across the globe who have seen the benefits of operational costs in addition to the reduction of environmental impact…

The new Marine Service Center builds on a decade of local ABB services in support of ice-going vessels and relies on a strong core of engineering expertise in Murmansk. In 2009, ABB’s engineers operating from smaller scale service facilities in Murmansk supported 15 vessels featuring the group’s equipment; in 2019, the number of ships has exceeded 50, with projects covering over 100 Azipod propulsion units. Responding to the needs of a growing customer base, ABB has expanded its service capabilities by opening a new…

Dassault Systèmes today announced that DCNS has selected the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to pioneer a new era in the design, engineering, construction and lifecycle services of naval defense solutions. DCNS will deploy the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to manage the entire lifecycle of its products, from new generation submarines to frigates, patrol vessels, aircraft carriers and landing platform docks (LPDs). From concept through engineering, to build, maintain and operations services for its customers, DCNS’s transformation will improve operational performance and competitive edge on a global scale. The design and engineering of high-performing naval defense solutions require a seamless integration of complex systems and infrastructure such as nuclear and conventional propulsion systems…

In 2015 two significant developments are going to make many operators, owners and builders of professional vessels consider hybrid marine power. Firstly the new emissions laws in ports and secondly there is now an incentive for high technology manufacturers to invest in developing highly efficient batteries. Hybrid is ‘here and now’ technology that is being used by many industries globally. The marine industry is now recognizing the potential of utilizing hybrid power and innovative propulsion systems for vessels in the sub IMO / sub 24 meter professional sector.

In 2015 two significant developments are going to make many operators, owners and builders of professional vessels consider hybrid marine power. Firstly the new emissions laws in ports, and secondly there is now an incentive for high technology manufacturers to invest in developing highly efficient batteries. Hybrid is ‘here and now’ technology that is being utilized by many industries around the world. The marine industry is now recognizing the potential of utilizing hybrid power and innovative propulsion systems for vessels in the sub IMO / sub 24 meter professional sector.

Astilleros Zamakona S.A, belonging to our group Zamakona Yards has signed a contract with the owner ESVAGT A.S, a company belonging to the multinational Danish AP Møller-Mærsk. The vessel will be delivered in the 2nd quarter of 2017 and will have the design and engineering of Havyard Design & Solutions A.S in cooperation with the ship-owner himself and our shipyard. It aims to make the change of crews in emergency assistance to offshore oil platforms, support for the maintenance operations of wind offshore facilities, etc.

A North American design tailored for South American operation: the new fleet of diesel-electric push boats engineered by Robert Allan Ltd. (RA) brings an improved level of performance to the Paraná River. The Paraná River flows some 3,000 miles through Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, meeting the Paraguay River and then farther downstream the Uruguay River before eventually emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Buenos Aires. Second only to the Amazon for longest river in South America…

Corvus Energy, harnessing the power of large format lithium-ion battery systems for marine propulsion, will spotlight its proprietary technology at the International Tug & Salvage (ITS 2010) Conference May 17-21 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, B.C. The conference marks the world debut of the BRAtt class training tugs, the first of which will feature Richmond, B.C.-based Corvus Energy’s battery and management system utilized as the house power bank. This direct diesel-powered version, will be available for demonstration to ITS registrants.

This January Gulf Craft of Patterson Louisiana will deliver the latest Seacor Marine crew boat the 180x32-foot Jenny McCall. Seacor Marine, with input from the father son team of Norman and Joe McCall, is noted for innovation in this highly competitive market segment. In keeping with this reputation the Jenny, powered by four 1800 HP Cummins KTA50 M2 main engines, will be equipped with the latest version of CSP Electronics controllable speed propulsion. The system allows the operator or the dynamic positioning system to achieve very precise shaft RPM against a constant engine RPM.

Gulf Craft delivered the latest Seacor Marine crew boat the 180 x 32-ft. Jenny McCall. Seacor Marine, with input from the father son team of Norman and Joe McCall, is noted for innovation in this highly competitive market segment. In keeping with this reputation the Jenny, powered by four 1,800 hp Cummins KTA50 M2 main engines, will be equipped with the latest version of CSP Electronics controllable speed propulsion. The system allows the operator or the dynamic positioning system to achieve very precise shaft RPM against a constant engine rpm. The engines on the Jenny turn into Twin Disc 6848 gears with a 2.93:1 reduction. With the engines idling at 750 rpm, this equates to the 52x53-in. props turning at about 250 rpm.

For several years Rolls-Royce has been using its design and test facilities to study the interactions between hull, propeller and rudder. The result is an innovative Rolls-Royce propulsion system, which is initially being promoted for single screw vessels operating at up to 17 knots. The system comprises a bulb, hubcap and twisted rudder used in combination to smooth the flow of water from the propeller as it passes over the rudder, improving the propulsive efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. As the illustration shows, a tapered hubcap is fitted to the hub of the propeller and this leads the water flow on to a bulb which forms part of the spade rudder. Propeller slipstream does not run straight aft; it has a swirl component because of propeller rotation.

The growing uptake of integral electric-driven, podded propulsors in the most capital-intensive sector of the cruise shipping industry, has forever altered the established position of conventional propulsion systems in an important segment of the market. Having established a foothold in the offshore sector, the concept will no doubt find increasing application with the next upswing in investment by the offshore oil and gas industry. Once conservatism has been overcome in various quarters of the shipping business, and once the net acquisition costs of such systems reach more acceptable levels for a broader band of the shipowning community, usage of the technology will no doubt spread to other spheres.

The Finnish shipbuilding industry has been in a state of flux for much of 1999 and entering 2000, with the Kvaerner shipbuilding pullout dominating the headlines. But while the search for new owners of the company's yards in Finland has kept the boardrooms busy, the business of pulling in valuable new orders to keep the facilities busy and building top-quality ships has not missed a step. The big and modern shipyards in Helsinki and Turku are world-renowned for the production of high-value, technically advanced ships, and this reputation and accrued expertise will surely remain well after the Kvaerner nameplate comes down. Whereas Kvaerner's exit from shipbuilding has been top news throughout the year, foreign investment and ownership within Finland is hardly a new topic.