Picture sailing on a cruise ship into a Norwegian fjord,
silently and emission-free. Fully electric propulsion on a passenger ship has
become possible.
The Norwegian explorer cruise line, Hurtigruten, is to build
its two new expedition ships using a new and environmentally sustainable hybrid
technology from Rolls-Royce. In fact, MS «Roald Amundsen» and MS «Fridtjof
Nansen» about to be constructed at Kleven Yard in Norway will be packed with
innovative Rolls-Royce solutions.
In addition to the hybrid power solution, the vessels will
have the latest of automation and control systems, including the Rolls-Royce
Unified bridge, the first delivery of two azipull propellers using permanent
magnet technology, two large tunnel thrusters, stabilisers, four engines,
winches and power electric systems. And of course the Rolls-Royce ship design.
Mikael Makinen, Rolls-Royce, President – Marine, said: “The
two new explorer cruise vessels for Hurtigruten represent somewhat of a dream
project for us; delivering our latest technology innovations into beautifully
designed and fit-for-purpose vessels.”
A hybrid sea journey
The hybrid technology for MS «Roald Amundsen» and MS
«Fridtjof Nansen» is planned for delivery in two phases. In phase one,
auxiliary battery power will provide large reductions in fuel consumption
related to “peak shaving”. In an
optional phase two larger batteries can be installed, enabling the possibility
of fully electric sailing across longer distances and over longer periods of
time. This propulsion will be used when sailing into fjords, at port and in
vulnerable areas.
Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten, said: “The future of
shipping is, without a doubt, silent and emission free. We will use our new
expeditionary ships as groundbreakers for this new technology and show the
world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible, today.”
Hurtigruten, <span
class='nowrap'>Rolls-Royce</span> equipment scope of supply
Saves 3000 tons CO2 per year
The decision to invest in a hybrid solution is an important
milestone in Hurtigruten’s goal of sailing fully electric expeditionary ships
in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The technology, in combination with the construction of the
hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce the fuel
consumption by approximately 20 percent and CO2-emissions from the ships with
20 percent. This amounts to more than 3000 metric tons of CO2 per year.
“A passenger ship requires enormous amounts of energy to
operate, and so far, there have been no technologies able to fulfil the
requirements of a fully electric Hurtigruten ship. Hurtigruten’s new ships will
probably be the first in the world,” said Daniel Skjeldam.
Electric propellers
Another innovation to be installed on MS «Roald Amundsen»
and MS «Fridtjof Nansen» are main propulsion thrusters that use integrated
permanent magnet (PM) technology instead of being powered by separate
propulsion motors. Over the last two years, Rolls-Royce has launched a range of
propulsion and deck machinery equipment driven by PM. From 2017 a new Azipull
model will be on offer, and this is the product specified as the main propeller
units on board Hurtigruten.
Azipull thrusters with pulling propeller and streamlined
underwater skeg have proved highly popular propulsion units since they were
introduced in 2003. Over four hundred and fifty units have been manufactured by
Rolls-Royce (in Ulsteinvik, Norway) to date. With the introduction of electric
drive through the use of permanent magnets, a proven Rolls-Royce technology is
ensured a prolonged life according to SVP Propulsion Knut Eilert Røsvik: “We
expect to see a shift from mechanical to electrical propulsion systems, and we
are well positioned for this shift. We have invested in PM technology for more
than ten years, and already have a lot of experience with it.”
The PM motor provides a very high efficiency over a wide
speed range and reduces the space required in the thruster room. The propulsion
system is well qualified for ships with ice class demand. Combined with the
proven high propulsive and hydrodynamic efficiency of the azipull, this will be
a winning combination.
Engine efficiency
As part of the hybrid power solutions to the new explorer
vessels for Hurtigruten the newest diesel engines will be installed, the Bergen
B33:45. Since it’s launch in 2014, this medium speed engine has been chosen by
a variety of owners and yards for a range of ship designs, with 50 engines now
delivered or on order.
The engine offers 20 per cent increased power compared to
its predecessor, delivering the same output with fewer cylinders. This lowers
the costs through the engine’s lifecycle, and also allows for smaller machine
rooms on board. The engine meets the international environment requirements for
IMO NOx Tier III with support from a SCR system (Selective catalytic
Reduction). These four engines in combination with the use of batteries,
comprise the cornerstones of the innovative hybrid solution onboard
Hurtigruten.
Complete control
The captain and his team at the ship’s bridge, will
literally have Rolls-Royce innovations in their hands. Ship control systems has
developed fast over the last decade, and the number of screens, wires handlers
and equipment for the operators onboard increased in parallel. Rolls-Royce has
addressed this, and developed common control systems and a new Unified Bridge
solution to clean up the clutter and design more user-friendly bridge and
control stations for the crew. Ultimately, the result is a safer and more
efficient working environment.
The Unified Bridge represents a complete redesign of the
ship bridge environment, including consoles, levers and software interfaces. It
is said to be the most innovative bridge design available on the market today.
Full Rolls-Royce scope of supply
Main Generating Sets: Four Bergen B33:45, each with scrubber
system for removal of NOx
Battery system
Propulsion system comprising two Azimuth Thrusters -
Azipull, with permanent magnet motor, and two tunnel thrusters.
Remote control system
Stabilisers, type Aquarius 100
Dynamic positioning system, DP0
ACON Integrated Automation System, including Acon Connect
and Acon Energy.
Unified Bridge including chairs, consoles and auxiliary
bridge control
Mooring winches and cable lifter units of electric frequency
converter.
Rolls-Royce Power Electric System, technology including
generators, motors, switchboards and a Power Management System
Design, basic design and detailed engineering
About the ships
Two ships, including an option for two more ships.
Specially constructed for voyages in polar waters.
To be named MS «Roald Amundsen» and MS «Fridtjof Nansen»
The ships are designed by Rolls-Royce and being constructed
by Kleven Yard.
Number of passengers: 530
Strengthened hulls and propellers for traversing ice
Number of cabins: 265
Dimensions (exterior): Length 140 metres, breadth 23.6
metres, height 29 metres
Draft: 5.3 metres
Delivery: First ship in July 2018 the second in 2019
Adapted for the service route along the Norwegian coast.
About Hurtigruten and the Hurtigruten fleet
Hurtigruten is the original Norwegian coastal route since
1893. The company brings goods, local passengers and tourists to 34 ports along
the unique Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes – every day of the year.
Hurtigruten explorer ship MS Fram sails in Antarctica, around Spitsbergen and
around Greenland. From the autumn of 2016, MS Midnatsol will be sailing to
Antarctica. Hurtigruten's newest expeditionary ship, MS Spitsbergen, was
recently put into service along the Norwegian coast and will be sailing to the
Arctic from 2017.
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