MAN Energy Solutions wins order for efficient HyProp ECO system

MAN Energy Solutions will supply propulsion solutions for four new dual-fuel chemical tankers.

The 6600-dwt, stainless steel vessels for Hamburg, Germany-based tanker operator John T. Essberger are scheduled for delivery in mid-2023.

MAN Energy Solutions’ scope of supply for each shipset certified by Finnish/Swedish 1A ice class comprises:

• A MAN 6L35/44DF diesel/gas-electric propulsion system, including GVU and plant equipment
• A Renk gearbox RSVL-1100 including one primary-PTO/PTH/PTI
• A MAN Alpha CP propulsion system including AT 3000 propulsion controls
• A 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.

The AKA HyProp frequency converter.

The order pursues a fleet renewal with newbuilds that can increase energy efficiency by 30%. 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 significantly in a new fleet of modern ships to trade within their core trades: Northwest Europe, Baltic and the Mediterranean.

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

The Essberger HyProp ECO system offers a tailor-made solution where the electric equipment focuses on efficiency and flexibility, MAN said. 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. This intelligent layout enables all components to be kept as small as possible. Similarly, integrated bypasses avoid losses in the power electronics when not in use.

The order from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (CMJL) subsidiary, Dingheng shipyard, includes options for an additional four vessels while the confirmed units are scheduled for delivery from mid-2023.

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

The new vessels will be optimized 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 newbuilding project is being subsidized 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).