Hurtigruten, a Norwegian explorer cruise line, is to build two new expedition ships using a new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology from Rolls-Royce making fully electric propulsion on a passenger ship possible.
The Rolls-Royce designed »Roald Amundsen« and »Fridtjo[ds_preview]f Nansen« are about to be constructed at Kleven Yard in Norway. In addition to the hybrid power solution, the vessels will have the latest automation and control systems, including the Rolls-Royce Unified Bridge, the first delivery of two azipull propellers using permanent magnet technology, two large tunnel thrusters, stabilisers, four Bergen B33:45 engines, winches and power electric systems Rolls-Royce stated.
Two phases to deliver hybrid technology
According to the company the hybrid technology for the vessels is planned for delivery in two phases. In phase one, auxiliary battery power will provide large reductions in fuel consumption related to »peak shaving«. This solution is to be installed on the first expeditionary ship ready for delivery in 2018. For phase two, larger batteries will be installed, enabling the possibility of fully electric sailing across longer distances and over longer periods of time. This will be used when sailing into fjords, at port and in vulnerable areas allowing silent and emission free sailing. Rolls-Royce aims to install this new technology in ship number two, which is scheduled for delivery in 2019. The goal of Hurtigruten is also to refurbish ship number one with the same technology.
Hybrid technology, in combination with the construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce the fuel consumption by approximately 20 % and CO2 emissions from the ships by 20 %. This amounts to more than 3,000 metric tons of CO2 per year Rolls-Royce says.
Another innovation to be installed on »Roald Amundsen« and »Fridtjof Nansen« is main propulsion thrusters that use integrated permanent magnet (PM) technology instead of being powered by separate propulsion motors. Over the last two years, Rolls-Royce has launched a range of propulsion and deck machinery driven by PM technology. From 2017 a new azipull model will be on offer, and this is the product specified as the main propeller units on board Hurtigruten.
Four Bergen B33:45 engines in combination with the use of batteries, comprise the cornerstones of the innovative hybrid solution onboard these Hurtigruten vessels. In addition the vessels will have the latest automation and control systems, including the Rolls-Royce Unified Bridge. This represents a complete redesign of the ship bridge environment, including consoles, levers and software interfaces.
