LNG tanker propulsion order for GE

The scope of supply, representing a total propulsion power of 1,105MW, includes MV7000 converters, induction motors, transformers, generators, main and cargo switchboards and propulsion control systems. Manufacture of the propulsion motors will be at GE’s rotating machines plant in Nancy, France, while the systems are engineered at GE Marine in Belfort, France.

GE says its motors and converters are designed for easy maintenance, high efficiency, availability and layout flexibility. The induction machines are driven by press-pack IGBT PWM converters which are claimed to offer high levels of reliability in a compact design.

The company says that dual-fuel engines combined with electric propulsion offers up to 30% better efficiency than traditional LNG tanker propulsion using boil-off boilers and steam turbines, as well as increasing cargo capacity by 3% to 5% thanks to optimised equipment layout. GE Power Conversion says it was the first company to equip a full-size LNG carrier with electric propulsion, with the 2002-contracted Gaz de France Energy. This project was followed by a series of orders in 2005 and 2006 for eight large LNG carriers built in Korea. During the next two years, GE was selected to equip the latest generation of LNG carriers with new advanced electric propulsion systems. GE Energy acquired Power Conversion (then known as Converteam) in September 2011.

“These orders clearly demonstrate that GE’s expertise in electric propulsion for LNG applications is recognized worldwide by the major players in the sector,” said Paul English, marine vertical leader for GE’s power conversion business. “Our continuous investment in innovation and competitive solutions allows us to customise and optimise our offerings to meet ship owners’ specific requests.”