Propulsion Updates

Geislinger Delivers Record Sized Coupling

Geislinger GmbH recently delivered its biggest torsional elastic coupling — a coupling with an outer diameter of 2.8-m and a weight of 36.3 tons. The coupling will be built into the drive line of a VLCC tanker, with an energy saving counter-rotating double propeller. More than 2,000 single parts were produced in the Geislinger works in Bad St. Leonhard and assembled in the works in Salzburg. The coupling transmits half of the 27,160 KW engine power at 74 rpm and in this way protects the gear box, which changes the direction of rotation for the backwards running propeller. This causes the energy of the swirling water in the gushing of the propeller to be used and therefore the degree of effectiveness is increased by about 14 percent. About 10 years ago three ships with this innovative CRP system plus Geislinger coupling were supplied from the same shipyard. All these systems were produced in Japan the largest one is scheduled to be built.

In order to monitor the function of the world's largest coupling BE 280/60/140U Geislinger has delivered a highly modern electronic system called Geislinger Monitoring GMS Mark 4. This equipment is supplied with sensor signals and assists the ship owner, among other things, to save maintenance costs.

Alstom Alspa Drive Fitted on Reasearch Vessel

Alstom installed its latest generation ALSPA drives in a new research vessel, which is being built by Alstom Leroux Naval, in Lorient, France. The deep sea research vessel, Pourquoi Pas, owned by Ifremer, will be the first ship to be fitted with the new ALSPA MV7000 converters as part of a contract for an electric propulsion system. The 344-ft. (105-m) vessel, which will operate at a service speed of 13.3 knots, is due to be delivered to Ifremer in Spring 2005. It will be used for both civil deep-sea oceanographic-going expeditions and hydrography missions.

The Pourquoi Pas will feature two shaftlines, driven by two 1,650 kW at 148 rpm induction motors, supplied by three-level medium voltage PWM Press-Pack IGBT ALSPA MV7000 converters. The ALSPA MV7000 has been specifically designed for marine applications. It is particularly suitable for induction motors up to 30MW at 6.6kV and offers a substantial reduction in underwater motor noise - particularly beneficial for research activities - which avoids the need for filters.

New BEB's Fitted With Ultra Dynamics Waterjets

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) placed a recent order with the U.S. Coast Guard to renovate their fleet of Bridge Erection Boats for Army operational uses world-wide. The renovation included not only new Cummins engines powering UltraJet 305 waterjet units via ZF gearboxes, and upgraded electronics package, hydraulically operated haul-in system to lock and secure bridge sections and additional amenities such as cab heaters and seating.

One of the key requirements of the jet's propulsion was the ability to provide a minimum of static boat thrust of 5,500 lbs. at an input power of 250 hp per jet. Therefore a twin Ultrajet 305 installation was tested for TACOM, using controlled static thrust tests that were conducted in which static thrusts of 2,865 lbs. per jet were recorded at an input power of 250 hp.

NVA Orders MAN B&W Engines

German owner, NVA, has ordered 2 + 2 electronically controlled MAN B&W 12K98ME-C engines to power 8,400 TEU containerships. This concept, with its fully integrated electronic control, offers lower operating costs, improved emission characteristics and a high degree of flexibility related to various operating modes. Each engine, which will be built by HSD in Korea, will be able to power an 8,400 teu containership, which measure 1,099 x 140 ft. (335 x 42.8 m). The ships are to built at Daewoo in Korea with MAN B&W Holeby GenSets, type 7L32/40.

Hudong Heavy Produces 7S80MC Engine

On July 11, 2003, Hudong Heavy Machinery Company in Shanghai, China, presented publicly, for the first time — their S80MC engine.

The order was placed in May 2002 by NACKS yard in Nantung, China, for two VLCCs being built for Chinese owner Sea Fortune.