ABB: Study Shows "Substantial" Savings for Dual Fuel Diesel Electric Propulsion System

Heikki Soljama of ABB says the study "includes realistic operating profiles rather than hypotheticals"

ABB Group (ABB) says the results of a study that it requested of DNV GL shows that "substantial" fuel savings can be made for a liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier using an optimised dual fuel diesel electric (DFDE) propulsion system.

"The outcome of the study shows that it is possible to improve overall vessel efficiency and thus asset competitiveness in certain vessel and configuration cases," said ABB. 

"Furthermore, it demonstrates that an optimized DFDE LNG carrier can be a highly fuel efficient solution for the specific case and boundaries of the study."

"DFDE can potentially be a more fuel-efficient solution among the alternatives."

The analysis of DFDE was said to have taken place under realistic operating conditions for LNG carriers, something that Heikki Soljama, Managing Director of Marine and Ports at ABB, said was important as "it reflects the complexity of an LNG carrier and includes realistic operating profiles rather than hypotheticals."

"It shows that DFDE configurations have the potential to be a fuel efficient solution. Combine this with its proven track record, flexibility in operation and adaptability to energy storage, it can be a competitive business case for ship owners."

ABB notes that the study's data was taken from the company's own and publicly available literature.

"Its better capacity for integration with fuel cells and advanced energy storage mean that, after over a decade of proven operational performance, DFDE remains a technology of the future," said Soljama of the dual propulsion's compatibility with future technologies

In July, ABB said the first application on a marine engine of its Power2 800-M turbocharging solution will help achieve "six figure savings" on fuel annually.