Converteam - Marine Propulsion Systems

Converteam, an expert in electric power and propulsion systems, has successfully delivered the British Emerald, BP's first electric propulsion LNG carrier.

Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea, the British Emerald is, at 155,000m², the largest LNGC to date. The vessel is driven by two main propulsion motors, 14.86MW each, with a rated speed of 720rpm. Converteam has also supplied the generators (totalling 48MVA), the main and cargo MV switchboards and an integrated automation system.

Converteam has also delivered to the three sister ships - the British Ruby, the British Sapphire and the British Diamond to BP and the first out of two LNGCs to Teekay - the Tangguh Hiri - and will deliver to the second one - the Tangguh Sago - soon.

In 2009, Converteam gained major contracts for cruise ships and LNG carriers. Most of these vessels will be fitted with Converteam's advanced electric propulsion solution combining high torque density induction motors and PWM type MV7000 converters.

These orders include:

• Four LNG carriers for BG Group, by Samsung Heavy Industries: two 12.7MW medium-speed induction motors per ship
• Four LNG carriers for Knutsen OAS Shipping, by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME): two 13.6MW medium-speed induction motors per ship
• Two LNG carriers for TMT, by DSME: two 16.5MW medium-speed induction motors per ship
• Two cruise ships for Costa Crociere, by Fincantieri: two 21MW motors per ship
• Two cruise ships for Oceania Cruises, by Fincantieri: two 12MW motors per ship
• Two cruise ships, by Meyer Werft: two 21MW motors per ship
• Two cruise ships for NCL, by STX Europe: two 24MW slow-speed induction motors per ship
• One cruise ship for Carnival, by Fincantieri: two 22MW motors
• One cruise ship for MSC Cruises, by STX Europe: two 18MW motors

Induction motors fed by PWM type MV7000 converters

Converteam has adopted the press-pack IGBT technology for the new medium-voltage PWM type MV7000 converters. In combination with high-torque-density induction motors, these converters significantly enhance electric propulsion performance. The benefits for electric power plants and electric propulsion systems now include:

• High overall efficiency
• Size and weight savings
• Robustness
• Operating flexibility, safety and reliability
• Increased manoeuvrability
• Reduced noise and vibrations
• Reduced maintenance and NOx emissions
• Optimisation of ship architecture

Vessel control

The integrated alarm control and monitoring system (IACMS) controls the automation for the whole vessel and features two main parts:

• The power management system (PMS)
• The vessel management system (VMS)

The main features of IACMS are:

• High performance utilising distributed outstations and networked architecture
• High level of reliability (single fault tolerance)
• Ergonomic human-machine interface
• Common hardware platform saving on spares, training and maintenance

Dynamic positioning

Converteam has a strong reputation in dynamic positioning (DP), with more than 30 years' experience and over 300 references. The current A-Series combines the best attributes of previous generations of DP systems with the benefits of continuous technological advancement and has proved highly successful in both the offshore and cruise ship markets.

Converteam's wide range of services

Drawing on a century of experience, Converteam is able to provide complete support, including feasibility studies, preliminary design, design, project management, commissioning, training, technical assistance and maintenance contracts.

References

We possess major references for electric propulsion on a wide range of ships: 315 vessels have been equipped with Converteam's electric propulsion, at a total power of 3,900MW.

• LNG carriers for British Petroleum, Gaz de France, Knutsen OAS Shipping, Mitsui OSK Lines, Teekay and TMT and BG Group
• Electric drives for N2 compressors on-board LNG carriers for Qatar Gas II and III and for Ras Gas III projects
• Cruise liners for Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Crociere, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Radisson and Royal Caribbean International
• Crude oil carriers for British Petroleum, RO-RO trailer ships for TOTE, chemical tankers for Stolt, Marnavi, Finaval, cable ships, a 8,500m³ hopper dredger for Dragages-Ports and platforms for Sedco Forex
• Research vessels for Ifremer, Louis Dreyfus and Icelandic MRI
• Naval vessels for the French Navy, the Royal Navy, the US Navy and many other navies