MAN, ABB to work jointly on dual-fuel electric propulsion solutions

German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions and Swiss technology group ABB have teamed up to develop a dual-fuel electric plant concept based on MAN’s recently launched 49/60DF four-stroke engine and ABB’s Dynamic AC (DAC) fuel optimisation system.

With the upcoming International Maritime Organization’s EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) for existing ships and the CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) reporting and rating regime, the partners said the concept will aim to deliver the operational flexibility shipowners need to cut carbon footprint as well as fuel bills for carriers.

MAN’s 49/60DF four-stroke engine, unveiled at this year’s SMM shipping exhibition, can run on LNG, diesel, biofuel blends and synthetic natural gas. In ABB’s DAC concept, the electrical system combines the merits of conventional AC with a variable frequency that can adjust generator load to engine speeds, thereby optimising total fuel consumption continuously.

The new propulsion plant concept will be suitable for LNG carriers, FSUs (floating storage units) and FSRUs (floating storage and regasification units).

In addition to the joint concept study, the scope of the cooperation includes sharing technical data as well as discussing interfaces and system integration. A combined dual-fuel electric power and propulsion system could be installed with an energy storage solution to enhance load management or come coupled with ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion. MAN and ABB said they would also explore integrating fuel cells as the technology matures.