2019 Winner - Stone Marine Propulsion, ‘Gate Rudders’
Adrian Miles, Managing Director of Stone Marine Propulsion presented the project as an exclusive at the 2019 event.
Gate Rudders are the result of a research and development project that has spanned several years to develop a rudder system for vessels which would have a significant positive effect on a vessels fuel consumption and, as a result, its emissions. While this was the primary aim of the inventor and development team it soon became apparent that Gate Rudders would add a list of other benefits to the fitted vessel in terms of its manoeuvrability and its ability to handle heavy weather.
The resulting design has proved very successful in achieving its main aim as shown, not just by the test results, but also the in service figures that are being produced by the vessel already fitted with Gate Rudders. The tests show that the Gate Rudders provide considerable amounts of extra thrust compared with drag inducing flap rudders.
The project included the following key partners; NS Evolution, Kuribayashi Steam Co, Kamome Propeller, Yamanaka Shipyard, Strathclyde University and Tokyo Keiki.
Meet the 2019 finalists
Grimaldi Group – ‘Grimaldi Green 5th Generation’
'Grimaldi Green 5th Generation' are the first examples of a new series of ro/ro hybrid ships, combining the most flexible loading capacity options with green technologies, featuring a list of innovative elements under patent/copyright with the objective of producing “Zero Emission in Port”. The GG5Gwill be able to transport over 7,800 linear meters of rolling freight, equivalent to around 500 trailers. The loading capacity of their garages is double compared to that of the largest ships currently operated by the Neapolitan Group, and triple compared to the previous generation of ro/ro ships. Nevertheless, they entail the same fuel consumption at the same speed:this means a doubled efficiency measured in consumption per ton transported.
Hurtigruten – ‘Hurtigruten is first to power cruise ships with dead fish’
As the first cruise line in the world, Hurtigruten will power their ships with liquified biogas (LBG), fossil-free, renewable fuel produced from dead fish and other organic waste. Cutaways from fisheries and other organic waste will soon be used to power Hurtigruten’s fleet of green cruise ships. With a growing fleet of 17 ships, Hurtigruten is the world’s largest expedition cruise line. The company has invested heavily in green technology and such as battery solutions – and is considered the world’s greenest cruise company. The next step: Powering cruise ships with liquified biogas (LBG) – fossil-free, renewable gas produced from dead fish and other organic waste.
WeTech – ‘The First RoPax Ferry in the world with Zero-Emission Sailing Mode’
WE Tech Solutions Oy (WE Tech) has been awarded the contract for delivery of an avant-garde Hybrid Electric Propulsion solution to Rauma Marine Construction Oy (RMC). The solution includes Propulsion drives, generators, Energy Storage System (battery banks and DCDC converters), Main Propulsion Switchboards, Shore connection switchgears, Energy Management System and the Propulsion Control System. WE Tech and RMC will together bring Wasaline’s new RoPax ferry to the next level of sustainable shipping. The new ferry is being built by RMC in Rauma Finland and is scheduled for delivery in May 2021.
Stone Marine Propulsion – ‘Gate Rudders’
Gate Rudders are the result of a research and development project that has spanned several years to develop a rudder system for vessels which would have a significant positive effect on a vessels fuel consumption and, as a result, its emissions. While this was the primary aim of the inventor and development team it soon became apparent that Gate Rudders would add a list of other benefits to the fitted vessel in terms of its manoeuvrability and its ability to handle heavy weather.
The resulting design has proved very successful in achieving its main aim as shown, not just by the test results, but also the in service figures that are being produced by the vessel already fitted with Gate Rudders. The tests show that the Gate Rudders provide considerable amounts of extra thrust compared with drag inducing flap rudders.
2018 Winner - Rolls-Royce Marine and the Norwegian Coastal Administration, OV Ryvingen
The project – showing the introduction of increasingly advanced energy-saving technologies across a series of multipurpose coastal vessels – received the most votes by conference delegates out of four nominations shortlisted by an expert panel that included ship owners, ship owner associations and technology providers.
The final vessel, OV Ryvingen, is currently on sea trials. It features a six-cylinder medium-speed engine with an innovative dual-generator configuration as well as a 3MWh battery system – a long way from the four high-speed diesel engines driving the original vessels. Other installed technologies include permanent magnet thrusters and a DC distribution system. It is expected that the vessel will achieve CO2 emissions reductions of more than 35% compared to the original vessels, with engine running hours slashed by 86%.
Other nominated projects included the impressive collaboration between WinGD, GTT and Wärtsilä in developing LNG systems for the first dual-fuelled ultra-large containerships, ordered last year by CMA CGM. Innovative powering arrangements enabled by permanent magnet shaft generator technology developed by WE Tech and a new way of creating water-in-fuel emulsions by TecnoVeritas were also presented.
What is The Motorship Award?
The Motorship Award is designed to honour innovative low emissions vessels partnerships.
To acknowledge the importance of collaboration in solving industry-wide challenges, the award is open to partnership projects featuring at least two of the following:
- ship owner
- shipyard
- class society
- naval architect
- equipment/fuel supplier
- academic institution
The four shortlisted entrants presented their projects at The Motorship’s Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference 2019, where the overall winner was decided by a delegate vote.
The shortlist is drawn up through a combination of self-nomination and recommendations made by the event steering committee, which includes representatives from major ship owners, technology providers, class societies and ship owner organisations.
Contact the events team on +44 1329 825335 or email conferences@propulsionconference.com for information about next year's award.
