The SOCARENAM (Sociéte Calaisienne de Réparation Navale et Mécanique) shipyard, based in Boulogne sur Mer, has entrusted Barillec Marine with the production of the LNG/Diesel-electric propulsion system and the water injection dredging system of a new dredger. The dual-fuel vessel, a first for France, is being build under contract with Atlantic Port of Bordeaux and the EIG Dragages Ports at a cost of €20 million ($24.4 million).
For Barillec Marine, this contract represents close to 7,000 hours of work, involves the design and supply of the main panel for hybrid energy production, of the main and auxiliary dual-fuel/electric propulsion and an innovative energy conversion system.
The two main propulsion assemblies will each include an electric motor with nominal power of 1,200kW at 1,600rpm. The Bow thruster auxiliary propulsion system will comprise an electric motor with nominal power of 400kW at 1,500rpm. The two dredging pumps will each have power of 500kW. The innovative conversion system will convert the upstream 690V/60Hz energy to the downstream 400V/50Hz network and will be equipped with two 150kVA decoupling transformers.
This hybrid dual-fuel system combined with the complete BARILLEC marine offer is particularly energy efficient. The frequency converters help optimise the operating parameters of the main machines, azimuth thrusters and bow thruster. Efficiency is bolstered by variable speed and a dynamic ship positioning system. In addition, a Power Management System (PMS) helps organise the operation of machines and further improves the ship’s energy performance.
The innovative system will enable the new dredger to be propelled mainly by LNG, liquefied natural gas, and secondarily by light marine diesel. The use of natural gas as a fuel reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by almost 25% and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by close to 80%, and eliminates almost all sulphur dioxide and fine particulate emissions. The use of this fuel and of water injection dredging will make L’Ostréa –the future name of the dredger–an eco-efficient ship with a lower environmental footprint.
Barillec Marine is pursuing R&D in order to offer new electric and hybrid propulsion concepts and energy storage solutions in connection with the development of LNG or hydrogen, in both maritime and river transport. These 100% innovation, 100% green and 100% French solutions help gain in efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and polluting gas emissions.
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