Great Ships of 2014: The Hybrid-Powered Semper Fi

Posted by Irina Tabakina January 12, 2015

Semper Fi

The MV Semper Fi from the Netherlands is an innovative European inland waterway vessel measures 361 x 37.7 x 12.1 ft. (110 x 11.5 x 3.7 m).

In cooperation with MARIN, the Netherlands Maritime Research Institute in Wageningen, the Dutch shipping company Carpe Diem Shipping developed the novel concept of Semper Fi , which reportedly is the first inland vessel that can simultaneously be propelled by a diesel engine and an electric motor – a unique combination, and one that has confirmed a 10% savings in energy consumption.

The hybrid drive is not the only sensation of the SEMPER FI project. Contra-rotating rudder propellers of VETH Propulsion type VZ-900A-CR-VHD, optimize the propulsion system. Propellers turning in opposite directions offer the decisive advantage in that they are not only made for improved maneuverability but also for extremely quiet operation – an important criteria for inland shipping.
The streamlined tunnel and the variability of the propeller, which can be controlled in all directions, adds to the system’s efficiency and versatility. Thanks to an integrated exhaust post-treatment system with 4 SCRT which include catalytic converters and soot filters, the SEMPER FI makes an additional contribution towards minimizing noxious emissions in inland shipping. In this process, the combustion gases are chemically cleaned using the so-called AdBlue method. A urea-based liquid is injected to bind the exhaust particulates and reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides. The AdBlue exhaust post-treatment system was supplied to the Semper Fi project by Veth Propulsion. The drive consist of: two Scania engines DI16 (512 kW / 1800 rpm), two E-engines (330 kW / 1800 rpm), two generating sets, Scania DI16 (634 kVA / 1800 rpm), two frequency converters for propulsion,one frequency converter for bow thruster, one static converter to supply power to the board net, all supplied by VETH Propulsion.

MV Semper Fi Main Particulars
Main drive    Veth Propulsion B.V., NL
Hull maker    Shipyard Orsova, Romania
Yard    A.A.Vink, Sliedrecht, NL
Wheelhouse    EBR Marine Construction, NL
Interieur    Willemsen interieurbouw&scheepsbetimmering b.v.
Pumps    All Pumps Holland B.V., NL
Heat exchanger    Blokland Non-Ferro B.V., NL
Electrical installation/batteries    EMS, Electric Marine Support Binnenvaart B.V., NL
Class notation    DNV GL
CFD simulation    MARIN, NL
Length x Width x Depth     361 x 37.7 x 12.1 ft. (110 x 11.5 x 3.7 m)
Main drive    2 x hybrid drives: 2 x Scania DI 16 (512 kW @ 1.800 rpm)
    2 x electric motors (330 kW @1.800 rpm)
Generating sets    2 x Scania DI 16 (634 kVA @ 1.800 rpm)
Propeller    2 x VETH contra rotating VZ-900A-CR-VHD
Load capacity    255 TEU, + 50 reefer