Swiss engineering group ABB and German engine maker MAN Energy Solutions have joined forces to develop a new dual-fuel electric propulsion solution for LNG carriers and FSRUs.
In that regard, the two firms recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim to reduce carbon footprint and fuel costs as well as to increase the operating flexibility of LNG carriers carriers, according to a statement by ABB.
The new solution includes a dual-fuel electric plant concept based on MAN’s new 49/60DF four stroke engine and ABB’s dynamic AC (DAC) system.
In addition to the joint concept study, the scope of the cooperation covers sharing technical data as well as discussing interfaces and system integration.
The new propulsion plant concept will be suitable for LNG carriers, floating storage units, and floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs).
A combined dual-fuel electric power and propulsion system could include an energy storage solution to enhance load management, or come coupled with ABB’s azipod electric propulsion, ABB said.
Also, MAN and ABB would explore integrating fuel cells as the technology matures, it added.