DNV recognizes ABB and MAN Energy Solutions’ new dual-fuel Electric+ (DFE+) concept for greater energy efficiency than conventional LNG vessel designs
•DFE+ solutions can help LNG carriers improve energy efficiency by up to 7.5% while saving energy and reducing emissions
• The modular and flexible design of the solution can increase ship cargo capacity by 5%

2097-V34PR5 The Norwegian Classification Society (DNV) has quantified the benefits of the new dual-fuel Electric+ (DFE+) solution jointly developed by ABB and MAN Energy Solutions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipowners. The solution, which consists of MAN’s four-stroke 49/60DF dual-fuel engine and ABB Dynamic AC dynamic power grid and control system, is designed to address the energy efficiency issues unique to LNG vessels.

ABB dual-fuel electric propulsion system

DNV Marine Consulting concluded that the dual-fuel DFE+ concept “represents a competitive and more energy efficient alternative to even the most efficient conventional dual-fuel LNG ship propulsion designs currently available.” Due to the smaller demand for cabin space, it is “conservatively estimated” that cargo capacity can be increased by at least 5%. DNV also mentioned that the DFE+ concept can achieve energy savings of up to 6-7.5%, depending on the increase in ship traffic, by combining other steps to optimize performance.

As of January 1, 2023, the International Maritime Organization 2097-V34PR5 (IMO) requires shipowners to report the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Operational Vessel Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI) and Operational Carbon Intensity Index (CII) using the Energy Efficiency Data tool. These tools set energy efficiency benchmarks for ships and give shipowners an understanding of how to take the necessary actions to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The latest addition to MAN’s four-stroke portfolio, the MAN 49/60DF engine is optimized for LNG carriers. At the same time, the engine is highly compatible with ABB’s Dybnamic AC dynamic AC system, which combines the advantages of traditional AC and frequency conversion to ensure high-speed engine operation and significantly reduce total fuel consumption.

2097-V34PR5

ABB dual-fuel electric propulsion system

2097-V34PR5 “LNG shipowners face a number of specific challenges to meet regulatory needs, as the propulsion solutions currently used by LNG vessels are difficult to achieve in terms of energy efficiency improvements,” Professor George Dimopoulos, Scientific Advisor to DNV, said: “ABB and MAN’s propulsion concept aims to provide LNG vessels with an efficient solution that not only meets increasingly stringent emissions regulatory requirements, but also reduces fuel costs.”

“With more than 200 LNG vessels currently on order worldwide, and with increasingly stringent carbon regulations, owners need to adopt new technologies to meet the demand for this specific type of vessel,” Rune Lysebo, head of strategic market development for ABB’s Marine and 2097-V34PR5 Ports business, said: “DNV has also confirmed that a new solution developed by ABB and MAN Energy Solutions can help improve the energy efficiency of LNG vessels, which shows that the time is right to explore a new generation of technology for this type of vessel.”

DFE+ can be installed and used in conjunction with the energy storage solution, operated as a rotating backup power source, or combined with ABB’s Azipod® electric propulsion system. As the technology matures, ABB and MAN will continue to work together to explore the possibility of integrating fuel cells.