Imtech Marine & Offshore
Helping to Build Diesel Electric Ships
Fjord Fairstar 3
Imtech Marine & Offshore (IM&O) is focused on energy and the environment with its diesel electrical propulsion solutions. "Diesel electrical propulsion achieves two goals in one go," said Adrie Smits, Manager Electrical Systems IM&O. "The client benefits from less fuel usage and maintenance and the environment benefits from less emissions and noise." "Interest in the development of 'green vessels' is huge in the maritime market," said Cor van Miltenburg, BU-Director Special Vessels & Offshore. "This is reflected in the soaring demand for diesel electrical ships in all segments of the market." "The 'all electric ship' principle results in more efficient energy conversion. You can transport more cargo or passengers with the same amount of fuel. Which is better for the environment. Moreover, on an 'all electric ship' you can lower the total amount of power installed since the different forms of energy are not all required at the same time. A ship that is sailing doesn't need unloading capacity. The result is fuel reduction and therefore energy friendly." There are many advantages to the diesel-electric solution, chief among them a reduction in noise and vibration, essential elements in serving the military and megayacht markets, but also of benefit to more traditional shipowners. For example, reduced noise production was of overriding importance for F.T. Everard & Sons
in whose tankers we installed electro-technical equipment. The tankers can now unload everywhere, even close to residential areas.
Offshore
Diesel electrical propulsion plays an important role in the offshore business with respect to steering and operating accuracy. "Diesel electrical propulsion often goes hand-in-hand with dynamic positioning," said Smits. "Deep sea pipe-layers for example can remain in exactly the right location using this advanced propulsion and satellite navigation. We previously equipped the motor vessels Audacia and Sapura 3000. We are currently working on the new Allseas vessel Pieter Schelte. And the list of references continues. A few examples are the Relume van Menas, the semi-submersible vessels Fjord and Fjell from Fairstar and the Inland Ro-Ro transport ships for the Airbus A380 parts." Diesel-electric solutions also provide a flexibility in the type of propulsor chosen. "Depending on the functionality of the ship, we choose between a fixed screw, a thruster or a podded drive system (POD), in consultation with the naval architect and the customer. We are involved therefore at the beginning of the design stage," said Van Miltenburg. "In this way we can carry out a cost-benefit analysis together with the client."
TECO-Westinghouse Motor Specializes in Electric
TECO-Westinghouse Motor has been supplying propulsion motors and generators to the marine industry for more than 100 years. The auxiliary propulsion motors on the USS Makin Island (LHD8) and the propulsion generators on the USCG Healy (WAGB-20) are several examples. The company is an innovator in the manufacture of AC and DC propulsion motors including super quiet type, generators and auxiliary motors. TWMC also supplies motor controls, engineering services, large motor repairs, upgrades and genuine Westinghouse renewal parts to the marine industry.
www.tecowestinghouse.com April 2009 www.marinelink.com 41