Three companies have teamed up to bring the first-ever reverse stern drive (RSD) compressed natural gas (CNG) tug to market.
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards, German engine manufacturer MTU Friedrichshafen (a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Power Systems), and Denmark's Svitzer are the companies collaborating on the project, which seeks to combine high power requirements with lower fuel costs, as well as a substantial reduction in emissions.
The 16-cylinder pure gas engine being developed for the project by MTU is based on the company's Series 4000 M63 diesel engine for work boats. It will be complemented with a multi-point gas injection system, a dynamic engine control, and an optimised safety concept.
"We are developing our new gas engine in order to meet the extreme load profile of the tug," commented Dr Ulrich Dohle, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
"The acceleration will be comparable to the level of our diesel engines. Due to the clean combustion concept, compliance with IMO Tier 3 emission legislation will be ensured without the need of additional exhaust gas after treatment. The 2,000kW gas engine is characterised by high power density combined with low fuel consumption."
The official launch of the eco-friendly tug is planned for 2016.
