MAN and AKA collaborate on the propulsion package for Baltic RoPax operator TT-Line
Canadian, Prince Edward Island based engineering firm Aspin Kemp and Associates Inc. (AKA) and German based MAN Energy Solutions (MAN) are working together on the delivery of the propulsion package for 1+1 230-meter-long RoPax vessel for TT-Line, a German ferry operator. The vessel is to be built at Jiangsu Jingling shipyard in China. The MAN/AKA power and propulsion package includes eight MAN 51/60DF dual fuel engines, propellers and gearboxes, a fuel-gas supply system and HyProp ECO – an innovative, fuel-saving, hybrid propulsion system.
The newbuild is based on TT-Line’s ‘Green Ship’ design developed in collaboration with Copenhagen based designer OSK-Shiptech and is scheduled for delivery in 2022, whereupon it is expected to enter service within TT-Line’s route network in the Baltic Sea. Operating on LNG, the new vessel will have 50% fewer emissions than TT-Line’s previous generation of vessels.
AKA’s main scope of supply includes the propulsion AC switchboards, distribution transformers, electric bow thruster motors and PTO shaft generators, bow thruster frequency converters, drive control and power management systems. Five different modes of operation for the shaft alternator will be provided which enable fuel-saving power generation in combination with a smart and flexible supply of the bow thrusters during challenging maneuvering situations.
In 2017, AKA and MAN formalized their partnership through MAN’s acquisition of 40% of the innovative power and propulsion system supplier AKA.
AKA specializes in power supply, energy management and drive systems for marine and industrial applications. Jointly, the companies now offer turnkey integrated power, propulsion and automation solutions; providing added value and reduced project and operational risk to customers from project inception throughout the entire life cycle of an asset.
Jason Aspin, CEO of Aspin Kemp & Associates said: “This project demonstrates the success of the MAN and AKA partnership. The industry is seeing the benefit of a turn-key power and propulsion package with smooth integration for the operator. We are also excited about this contract since it demonstrates the value of Hybrid propulsion systems. Combining AKA’s experience in Hybrid technologies and power management with MAN’s dual fuel engines utilizing LNG allows us to achieve step-changing reductions of environmental emissions. Working toward a carbon-neutral industry is at the core of both our partnership with MAN as well as this project.”
Another partner on the project is MAN Energy Solutions’ fuel-gas specialist – MAN Cryo which will supply the new vessel’s fuel-gas-supply system. MAN Cryo offers systems for the storage, distribution and handling of liquefied gases.
The newbuild TT-Line ferry will have the capacity for 800 passengers and over 200 articulated lorries. While designing the vessel, a particular emphasis was put on flexibility and fast, in-port turnaround-times. TT-Line currently has six ferries operating on various routes in the Baltic Sea.
About HyProp ECO
HyProp ECO is a system solution developed by MAN that combines a diesel engine with a frequency-converter-driven shaft-alternator/motor and features multiple operational modes. The system combines the advantages of a bi-directional operating frequency converter for the shaft machine with a high-efficiency CP propeller plant. HyProp ECO is also open for shore connection and the integration of energy storage devices/batteries.
About TT-Line
Rendering of the new “Green Ship” RoPax vessel (image courtesy of TT-Line)
Based in Travemünde, Germany, TT-Line is the market leader in direct transport between Germany, Poland and Sweden, and carries nearly 900,000 passengers, 180,000 cars and more than 400,000 freight units annually. Typically, the company’s ferries transport up to 6,500 passengers daily.
About MAN Energy Solutions
Rendering of the MAN 51/60DF engine (image courtesy of MAN Energy Solutions)
MAN Energy Solutions enables its customers to achieve sustainable value creation in the transition towards a carbon neutral future. Addressing tomorrow’s challenges within the marine, energy and industrial sectors, we improve efficiency and performance at a systemic level. Leading the way in advanced engineering for more than 250 years, we provide a unique portfolio of technologies. Headquartered in Germany, MAN Energy Solutions employs some 14,000 people at over 120 sites globally. Our after-sales brand, MAN PrimeServ, offers a vast network of service centres to our customers all over the world.
The MAN 51/60DF engine is a dual-fuel engine that converts liquid fuel (diesel operation) or natural gas into electrical power efficiently and with low emissions. The engine is able to switch smoothly and seamlessly from gas to liquid fuel operation (and vice versa) at full load without any output and speed fluctuations. This feature makes it possible to use the engine in many different applications with a variety of fuels.
About Aspin Kemp & Associates
Picture of Typical Cabinet in an AKA Power and Propulsion System
AKA is a systems integrator focusing on innovation, reliability, safety, and energy efficiency in marine, island and micro grid power systems. AKA designs, manufactures, installs, and supports innovative power generation, power to process and energy management solutions for marine, Offshore Oil and Gas, and land-based industries to the global market. AKA’s global headquarters is based in Montague, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
AKA achievements include the world’s first hybrid powered harbor assist tug boat, world’s first hybrid offshore drilling system, as well as being a pioneer and world leader in highly reliable and efficient closed bus solutions for vessels utilizing dynamic positioning systems. Over the last 20 year of operation, AKA has shifted the paradigm by offering the world’s most reliable and efficient power and propulsion systems; radically reducing the cost, the environmental footprint and the risk associated with marine operations. A strategic aspect of AKA’s success has been through collaboration with key industry partners. This has allowed AKA to develop and continuously improve technology for power, propulsion and marine / industrial applications where reliability and efficiency are critical operational elements.