The joint development project is the latest step in the development of gas turbine powered ship designs suitable for deepsea, commercial applications.
While gas turbines are a proven technology and have been used at sea in naval ships and high-speed craft, as well as in passenger ships, the benefits of gas turbines have not yet been applied to mainstream cargo shipping. The project is expected to maximise the potential operational benefits of gas turbine systems.
The project will further develop HHI and LR’s work on maximised and safe container loading and continue GE’s collaboration with LR on the COGES (combined gas turbine, electric and steam) propulsion and power system technology.
Brien Bolsinger, GE vice president of marine operations, explained that COGES offers a combination of advantages. “Operational benefits of gas turbines to naval architects, owners and operators include high power in a compact package and design flexibility. The gas turbine is so lightweight – fully 80% lighter and 30% smaller than comparable slow-speed diesel applications – that it can be located anywhere on the ship,” he said.
Lee Byeong-rok, senior vice president, head of initial design office, HHI, said he expects technological innovation of the 14,000 teu class container ship will provide a brand new vision for future containerships with enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility from the increased container intake and environmentally friendly dual fuel system provided by the COGES system.
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