Optimum and innovative propulsion

Expert knowledge is said to be responsible for the increasing popularity of Bakker Sliedrecht?s diesel-electric propulsion systems. The company is acutely aware of the sharp increase in the application of electric drive systems for main and auxiliary propulsion systems, and for bow- and sternthrusters, particularly with the advance of low maintenance systems.

Frontier technology

To keep pace with this “frontier technology”, Bakker Sliedrecht has undertaken several projects over the last 30 years, for main, auxiliary and emergency propulsion and side thrusters. In several cases a combination of these is used, including power, ship management and automation systems, and control by Dynamic Positions (DP) systems. It must be mentioned that the choice of an electric drive and energy system mainly depends on the purpose of the application and its requirements.

One particularly interesting project that has successfully been realised in the recent past, and the subject of a paper at this year?s Motor Ship Marine Propulsion Conference, is the 2×1,500 kW low-noise (acc. ICES 209) diesel-electric propulsion vessel Celtic Explorer. The installation provided for the innovative vessel by Bakker Sliedrecht was a turnkey solution that included generators, powering of thrusters, switchboards, alarm/monitoring systems and cabling.

The Netherlands-based company has also designed, delivered, installed and started-up the new compact diesel-electric propulsion system (a main switchboard no longer required anymore) for two SWATH ferries, which saves weight, volume and costs.

One of the most recent projects is the diesel-electric propulsion system for the new 130 metres long TESO ferry, consisting of generators, transformers, medium- and low voltage switchboards, drives, propulsion motors, control consoles and alarm- and monitoring system, inclusive cabling, in fact a turn-key delivery.

Another prime example of a successful turnkey project in application is the design and delivery of the diesel-electric propulsion plant of the hydrographic survey vessels Snellius and Luymes for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Other interesting current newbuilding projects being undertaken by Bakker Sliedrecht include the new diesel-electric propulsed multi-purpose pontoon for Wynns for extreme difficult transports over river and sea, the largest cutterdredger for Belgian contractor JFJ De Nul (also with diesel-electric propulsion) and the drive and energy systems for a new cutterdredger for China. There is also the hopperdredgers Prins der Nederlanden and Oranje on a turn-key basis and the product tanker Stolt Texas.

Success in such projects goes to further establish Bakker Sliedrecht?s expertise in designing and manufacturing of well thought-out propulsion drive systems. The company’s electric propulsion drive system generally consists of several AC or DC motors with reliable systems requiring only little maintenance.

At present, the most commonly used system is the low maintenance AC system; however when there is a special requirement for very low noise and vibration levels, a DC direct drive systems is favourable. n