UECC takes delivery of first dual-fuel LNG battery-hybrid PCTC

UECC said the LNG battery-hybrid technology, combined with an optimised hull design for better fuel efficiency, will enable the newbuilds to exceed IMO’s carbon emissions requirement to cut carbon intensity by 40% (from 2008 levels) by 2030.

The operator hopes to cull CO₂ emissions by 25%, SOx and particulate matter by 90% and NOx by 85% by using LNG and believes the newbuilds will meet IMO’s Tier III NOx emissions limitations for the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Dual-fuel engine technology has now been combined with an energy storage system (ESS), supplied by Finland’s WE Tech, incorporating a battery package from Corvus Energy that will be charged by a permanent magnet, directly driven shaft generator or dual-fuelled generators.

The ESS supplies power to the main switchboard with a DC link for power distribution and will enable peak shaving for the main engine and auxiliaries to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, with a controllable pitch propeller, bulb rudder and dual-fuel boiler also part of the power system.

The newbuilds require only two auxiliary dual-fuel gensets, in addition to the main engine, as the ESS and shaft generator provide a spinning reserve to eliminate the need for another genset that would normally be required.

Battery capacity is based on detailed modelling of the vessels’ expected operational profile to economise on installation, and UECC expects the ESS’ payback time at five years.

The hybrid system has obtained DNV’s Battery Safety notation and will be steered by an intelligent energy-management system, supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.
Auto Advance’s sister vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2022. Once delivered, the newbuild trio will give UECC five eco-friendly PCTCs out of its 17-vessel fleet.

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