Marine Propulsion News Roundup | October 19 – Hybrid ferries and dual-fuel methanol-powered containerships

Danfoss Editron drivetrain selected for future Elbe River hybrid ferries

Photo: Danfoss Editron

Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division has been chosen to provide drivetrain systems for three hybrid passenger ferries that will operate on the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany.

German shipyard Schiffbau- u. Entwicklungsgesellschaft Tangermünde mbH (SET) will build the vessels for Hamburg transportation company HADAG, expanding the latter’s fleet to 29 ships.

All three vessels will feature serial hybrid propulsion systems, including drivetrains designed and manufactured by Danfoss’ Editron division. The drivetrain incorporates shore connection, battery storage, and propulsion and AC network feeding power modules, all connected by a compact DC link with unique and patented selectivity for high system safety.

Editron’s synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet generator is attached to a Scania Diesel engine to create a variable speed genset, providing energy for charging batteries or as a backup for propulsion. Two electric eVSP9 Voith Schneider Thrusters will turn the electric energy into thrust combined with high manoeuvrability.

The vessels will also be capable of integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology in the future.

The first ferry, which will be capable of carrying up to 250 passengers, is due to be delivered to HADAG in 2024, with the other two vessels scheduled to follow later the same year. Additionally, HADAG has an option to order a further three ferries featuring the fuel cell technology, while the system could also potentially be retrofitted on the city’s existing passenger ferry fleet.

ABB to support development of Australian-built hybrid Ro-Pax

ABB and an Australian shipbuilder have signed a letter of intent (LOI) regarding collaboration on the development of a new Ro-Pax ferry with a hybrid electric propulsion system that could transition to battery power as shore charging becomes available.

The vessel will measure 148 metres long and will be capable of speeds of up to 21 knots.

The ferry will also feature ABB’s DC power distribution system, an energy management system, a remote diagnostic system, and two azimuthing pod thrusters.

Scandlines installs low-noise thrusters on double-ended ferry

Prinsesse Benedikte (Photo: Scandlines)

Scandlines’ double-ended hybrid ferry Prinsesse Benedikte has completed undergoing an upgrade program that saw the installation of four new low-noise thrusters supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.

Each thruster can rotate around its vertical axis and thereby function as a rudder. The new thrusters ensure a more homogeneous flow through the water, resulting in reduced noise and vibration.

Head boxes were also installed to further optimise the water flow to the propellers.

Prinsesse Benedikte is the final one of four Scandlines ferries to be fitted with the new thrusters.

South Korean yard orders six dual-fuel methanol engines for future Maersk containerships

Photo: MAN Energy Solutions

The shipbuilding division of South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has ordered six MAN B&W G95ME-C10.5-LGIM dual-fuel methanol main engines in connection with the construction of six 17,000TEU container vessels.

MAN Energy Solutions developed the ME-LGIM dual-fuel engine for operation on methanol as well as conventional fuel.

The container vessels are being built for Danish shipping company A.P. Moller Maersk.


Baird Maritime Gear Editor

The latest maritime gear and service news from across the globe.