ABB, the power and automation technology group, has disclosed details of a study from DNV-GL R&D examining the potential for efficiency improvements of dual fuel diesel electric (DFDE) LNG carrier propulsion.
The outcome of the study shows that it is possible to “ improve overall vessel efficiency and thus asset competitiveness in certain vessel and configuration cases ,” ABB said on Monday.
Furthermore, it demonstrates that an optimized DFDE LNG carrier can be a fuel efficient solution for the specific case and boundaries of the study, it added.
ABB requested DNV-GL R&D to undertake an analysis of DFDE propulsion under “ realistic operating conditions for LNG carriers, rather than relying on calculations using design specifications “.
Data for the study was either provided by ABB or taken from publicly available literature, according to ABB.
DNV GL R&D used three representative operating profiles based on distance specific trade route for a typical 174,000 cbm twin skeg LNG carrier, including laden/ballast sailing modes and non-sailing modes, while considering not only propulsion power and electricity but also steam demand, ABB said.
The study claims that, when taking into consideration the round trip data, operating profiles and fuel costs, “ DFDE can potentially be a more fuel-efficient solution among the alternatives considered when combined with energy recovery technologies and optimally operated “.
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Image: HHI