Norway-based Odfjell selected chemical tanker Bow Sun for initial upgrades to minimise emissions: changing the design of Bow Sun’s propeller, and cutting performance in a bid to decrease fuel consumption and lower emissions
ABB Turbocharging then investigated ways to optimise the engine to match new power demands. Bringing ABB Turbocharging on board to manage the project meant Odfjell could call on a huge range of engineering expertise across multiple areas.
Having one organisation to identify Odfjell’s specific needs and the issues the company wanted to solve played a big part in this project’s success. Implementing major engine upgrades on ships is a huge undertaking, involving multiple stakeholders. With ABB Turbocharging’s engineering and consulting services, Odfjell only had to deal with a single stakeholder for this specific engine upgrade project.
Along with the upgraded propeller, Bow Sun received a tailored engine retune designed for low-load optimisation and to meet IMO NOx classification. ABB Turbocharging modified the engine’s shims, exhaust, fuel-cam position, VIT parameters, cylinder liner insulation, and upgraded turbocharger components including the nozzle ring and compressor wheel.
Derating the engine for optimal power with the new propeller, along with engine retuning and turbocharger upgrades for optimal performance has helped Odfjell to save money on operating costs and to reduce emissions. CO2 emissions have been cut by 3%, while NOx is down by 20%, helping Bow Sun to maintain IMO compliance and meet IMO Tier I regulations.
The upgrades to Bow Sun have enabled Odfjell to lower its environmental impact while also saving a significant amount of money, but this is just the starting point in the Norwegian company’s journey to become greener.
“We are very pleased with the co-operation with ABB and the results we have achieved from our energy efficiency upgrades. The upgrades are comprehensive and have consisted of many activities. During the last few years Odfjell has improved the energy efficiency of our managed fleet by 30%”, said Odfjell global head of ship management Geirmund Drivenes.
Bow Sun is one of eight Poland vessels in the Odfjell fleet, and the success of the overhauls means Odfjell will continue to partner with ABB Turbocharging over the next few years to upgrade the remaining ships.
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