Marine Propulsion News Roundup | February 15 – Korean-developed nuclear-powered ships, a new high-speed engine for the US Navy and more

South Korean collaboration to develop nuclear reactors to power commercial ships

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAREI) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with eight South Korean partners for collaboration on the development and demonstration of small modular nuclear reactors for use on ocean-going commercial ships.

The powerplants to be developed will be classified as small modular reactors (SMRs) with each unit having a maximum capacity of 300 MW(e).

The local partners on the local collaboration include the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), Korean Register (KR), H-Line Shipping, HMM, Wooyang Shipping, Sinokor Merchant Marine, and the governments of North Gyeongsang Province and the city of Gyeongju.

Port of Gothenburg monitoring boat to undergo battery retrofit

Battery manufacturer EST-Floattech has been selected to supply a new energy storage system for installation on a monitoring and security vessel operated by the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden.

The 1979-built Hamnen will have its diesel engine replaced with the EST-Floattech parallel hybrid system with PTO/PTI functionality. Conversion will be undertaken at local shipyard O-Varvet.

EST-Floattech said the batteries will provide enough power for the vessel to sail for at least four hours at six knots and will also provide energy for the vessel’s hotel load and the bow thruster.

Manufacturer unveils new range of high-speed engines for naval use

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) recently introduced a new range of high-speed engines suitable for installation on US Navy vessels.

FMD said that, with more power density than competing high-speed engines, the new engines are best suited to support the substantial propulsion needs of the navy’s unmanned programs.

The engine will be available with 12, 16, or 20 cylinders and includes a 175-millimetre bore for mechanical or electric propulsion for onboard power generation. It operates at 1,800 to 2,000 rpm and has a power output rating of 1,740 to 4,400 kW.

FMD anticipates the engine will be ready to integrate with naval fleets within the next two years.

New electric outboard boasts mobile app integration

Mercury Marine has unveiled a new model of electric outboard engine.

The outboard generates 750 W of power at the prop shaft and produces similar speed and acceleration as a Mercury 2.6kW four-stroke outboard. The engine is also offered with tiller or remote steering, making it suitable for powering small boats such as tenders and RIBs.

The outboard will have swappable lithium-ion batteries, a quick-connect mounting system, and intuitive controls to ensure ease of set-up and operation. A vivid full-colour display tracks battery level and range.

Mercury said the new electric outboard is the first propulsion system from its product line to be compatible with the all-new Mercury Marine app. Users can access the app for free to benefit from basic functionality, including a library of tutorials and the ability to connect with a preferred dealer for after-sales support.