The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) for the company’s hybrid power system. The solution, which was previously only suitable for smaller ships, can now be used by larger liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier vessels.
DSME’s hybrid power system consists of a battery energy storage system (ESS) and shaft generator within an existing power source. This enables LNG carrier vessels to use hybrid power when required and includes spinning reserve or peak shaving.
The hybrid solution is currently being used on board smaller ferries but has also been successfully applied to larger LNG vessels following research and development carried out at DSME’s test facility for ships. Having been granted the AiP, DSME will now reduce dependence on the generator engine and improve fuel efficiency. The shipbuilder aims to achieve this by introducing a solution that can improve the performance of the shaft generator.
ABS’s approval process included reviewing the ship’s internal arrangement, function, risk analysis and operation scenarios that reflect real-world electrical loads.
“Hybrid electric power systems offer the opportunity to improve safety, reliability and operational efficiency, and reduce the fuel consumption, environmental footprint and equipment maintenance when compared with traditional electrical power systems,” said Gareth Burton, vice president of technology at ABS. “We are delighted to work together with DSME on these innovative projects. Being able to apply hybrid power systems to large vessels like LNG carriers is another step forward in the drive to meet IMO sustainability goals.”