MaK propulsion for Carnival LNG newbuilds
The contract also includes the full LNG supply and handling system. Caterpillar’s Hamburg-based sales and service partner Zeppelin Power Systems will manage the project, including supply, commissioning and service.
The new dual fuel MaK engines, first installed during a retrofit of the Anthony Veder vessel Coral Aurelia, offer fast load response, improved fuel consumption and long maintenance intervals. They will use the latest generation of the Cat engine control units (ECU), which in conjunction with in-house software enable operation profile-specific optimisation. Caterpillar is also providing its Asset Intelligence technology and service, which leverages remote monitoring, automated data analytics and expert advisory services to ensure the highest uptime and lowest operating cost.
The contract could be even more significant for Caterpillar given Carnival’s stated aim of standardising equipment across its newbuilds. Earlier this week Lars Ljoen, managing director of Carnival Maritime – the in-house ship management company that manages the Costa and AIDA lines for which the newbuilds will operate – told press that the company will seek to use similar main engines, thrusters and other below-the-deck equipment for all ships under the new ship platform while varying the customer experience by brand. This will help the company to standardise building and maintenance procedures, as well as consolidating a group-wide spare parts list that currently runs to some five million items.
Caterpillar has begun a close cooperation with Hamburg-based LNG and cryogenic specialist Marine Services. It now offers LNG solutions including shore-side bunkering, on-board storage, LNG handling and automation systems as well as its dual-fuel engines.
Ulf Hannemann, cruise and ferry segment manager, Caterpillar Marine said: “From a single source, we provide the complete system for ship operators who wish to capitalise on the benefits of LNG as a marine fuel. We have successfully completed a number of diesel to dual-fuel conversions in the commercial shipping sector and our pipeline of newbuild installations continues to grow. However, it is in the cruise sector that we see the greatest opportunities.”
Meanwhile the company is pioneering new techniques to improve gas-only operation. Research and development at Caterpillar’s Rostock facility has demonstrated the efficient operation of LNG main engines at loads of less than 20% for the first time. Caterpillar was able to start the MaK M 46 DF engine using LNG, avoiding diesel engine emissions.
“This development is a key consideration for cruise operators who wish to use LNG, rather than risk smoke from the funnel or soot on deck whilst starting main engines and manoeuvring in port waters,” noted Frank Starke, managing director of Caterpillar Motoren.
