HyProp ECO propulsion solution for chemical tanker newbuildings

The order for four highly efficient dual-fuel 6,600-dwt, stainless-steel, parcel chemical-tankers includes options for an additional four vessels. The confirmed units are scheduled for delivery from mid-2023.

MAN Energy Solutions’ scope of supply for each shipset comprises:

• 1 × MAN 6L35/44DF diesel/gas-electric propulsion system, including GVU and plant equipment
• 1 × Renk gearbox RSVL-1100 including one primary-PTO/PTH/PTI
• 1 × MAN Alpha CP propulsion system including AT 3000 propulsion controls
• 1 × MAN HyProp ECO – AKA integrated electric system consisting of shaft machine, frequency converter, bow-thruster motor and related AC switchboard enabling tailored modes of operation.

MAN Energy Solutions will provide the solution in association with Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA), in which it has a 40% stake. AKA specialises in power supply, energy management and drive systems for marine applications.

The Essberger HyProp ECO system offers a tailor-made solution where the electric equipment focuses on efficiency and flexibilty. Core components, like the converter unit, are designed to be used in multiple ways, such as for operating the PTO when the propeller runs on the combinator curve, but also to drive the bow-thruster or to supply the ship with shore-power. The system also offers an emergency propulsion mode with the same converter used as PTH starter.

Johan J. Isaksen, Director Ship Management, John T. Essberger, commented: “As a pioneer of purpose-built parcel tankers, our business is built upon continuous investment in the business and maintaining a state-of-the-art fleet, which is what this order represents.

Dejan Golub, New Building Manager, John T. Essberger, praised the MAN propulsion system, noting it “allows for a straightforward system integration that will make these newbuildings among the most efficient and low-emission in their class.”

Energy efficient vessels

The new vessels will be optimised in terms of hull design and equipment, resulting in a significantly improved energy efficiency of at least 30% and will have the ability to use a shore-power connection during cargo operations.

The new ships will be operated by E&S Tankers, a joint venture between Essberger and Stolt Nielsen. In 2020, John T. Essberger announced plans to invest in a new fleet of modern ships to trade within their core trades: Northwest Europe, Baltic and the Mediterranean.

The newbuilding project is being subsidised by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of the implementation of the German government’s Mobility and Fuel Strategy (MKS).