Siemens to Supply Eco-Friendly Propulsion and Power Generation Systems for Maersk Triple-E's

Siemens, through their Siemens Drive Technologies Division, says it has been awarded a contract from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) to supply eco-friendly propulsion and power generation systems for Maersk’s line Triple-E class container ships currently on order with the Korean shipbuilder. The contract is said to be worth “tens of millions of Euros”.

As we already know, DSME entered entered into a contract with A. P. Moller-Maersk Group (Maersk Line) in 2011 to build 20 Triple-E class, 18,000 teu container ships that have put a new definition on economies of scale, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly vessels in shipping.

The largest and greenest generation of these ocean carriers will have a twin propulsion system, with two slow running ultra-long stroke engines that drive separate propellers. Designed to sail with two 3 MW Shaft Generator Motors (SGM) that act as a variable consumer or power generation units, these ships will reach a high safety standard which will keep the mains alive in all conditions.

In addition to administering shaft generator motors and a power generation system, Siemens will also furnish DSME with expertise in power management and Waste Heat Recovery Control (WHR) expected to enhance propulsion and improve the environment friendly heat recovery methodology available on board. Through the WHR, the exhaust gas from the engine is captured and used to run the combined exhaust gas/steam turbine genset which generates electrical energy. Capitalizing on this energy, the total power generation can be run with lesser fuel consumption while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 12%.

Siemens says the vessels will feature the EcoMain Decision Support System, which facilitates optimal energy balance and thereby improving maintenance cycles. The countless number of on-board technical installations and systems contribute in providing informative data such as status, performance and efficiency. Through a wide range of on-board interfaces, EcoMain is able to collect data from as many technical systems as possible and prepares the information in a standardized platform and format.

By doing this, energy consumption, emissions, bunkering with liquids, maintenance schedules, document and knowledge management and a lot more can be evaluated and optimized as needed. Siemens says the he greatest potential for improvement lies in energy consumption, environmental compatibility and maintenance intervals.

Fundamentally, a core element of the service agreement between Siemens and DSME is the development of effective maintenance programs and innovative technology that are required in protecting the equipments against unforeseen faults and failures that might occur in the future.

The project is scheduled to come to an end in early 2015. The first ten Triple-E class vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2013 and 2014, with the second set expected to be delivered in 2014 and 2015.