Marine propulsion system provider GE Marine and classification society Lloyd’s Register are collaborating on a study of potential gas turbine-powered commercial ship projects.
The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect.
The agreement follows a previous announcement by GE Marine, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry and Lloyd’s Register in December 2013.
The trio then unveiled a design for a gas turbine-powered LNG carrier that could provide low lifecycle cost, high environmental performance and increased flexibility.
The design of the initial LNG carrier will be based on a GE gas turbine-based COGES power and propulsion system.
The COGES design, which is expected to be approved shortly, features a 30MW gas turbine, a steam turbine generator set and two dual-fuel diesel generator sets for low power operation and back-up. It can offer a total installed power of more than 50MW, according to Lloyd’s Register.
Lloyd’s Register chief operating officer Nick Brown said: “This MoU will allow us to work with some of the leading shipyards to approve in principle GE gas turbine-powered commercial vessels for global customers.
“We can assist shipping industry stakeholders with understanding how the technical performance of these gas turbines can help meet commercial requirements.
“We always welcome ship owners and operators who would like to participate in joint development projects involving new applications.”
Commenting on the agreement, GE Marine Evendale, Ohio marine operations vice-president Brien Bolsinger said: “Through the MoU we will identify target segments and commercial customers for our highly efficient marine gas turbine systems.
“GE already has an established base of 90 marine gas turbines operating on 17 cruise ships, five high-speed yachts and 19 fast ferries.”
Image: Tom Boardley, Lloyds Register’s marine director (left) and Brien Bolsinger, vice-president, marine operations, GE Marine signing the MoU. Photo: courtesy of Lloyd’s Register Group Services Limited.
