A multilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between GE Aviation’s marine gas turbine business and multiple Korean companies to cooperate in the joint development of an LPG-fuelled ferry design.
The MOU was signed by many Korean company CEOs including; Youngsung Global CEO Bumsu Ku, DINTEC Director Hunsoo Ha, Korea LPG Industry Association Chairman Joonseok Hong, GE Aviation MSO Korea Leader Kirby Luke, Far East Ship Design & Engineering Co (FESDEC) CEO Jungkang In, and Cryos CEO Daesung Kim.
The ferry will feature GE’s compact and lightweight Combined Gas Turbine, Electric and Steam (COGES) system for all ship power and propulsion. GE gas turbines are no stranger to the seas and no new technology is required to construct GE‘s COGES system. Instead, GE is configuring existing products and integrating them into new applications. GE gas turbines currently operate on cruise ships, eight of which feature COGES arrangements.
This will be the world’s first LPG-fuelled COGES ship.
The design is expected to improve safety and efficiency while reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
According to Brien Bolsinger, Vice President of GE Aviation’s Marine Operations, “There is increased attention worldwide on LPG as a viable fuel for the maritime industry, and we are excited to collaborate on this ferry project. The compact COGES arrangement—lighter and smaller than comparable four-stroke diesel engines— will allow for more passengers. Owners, operators, designers and shipyards will see that the COGES system also offers lower life cycle costs.”
The new eco-friendly LPG-fuelled ferry will operate the Incheon-Jeju and other international passenger routes.
Ship Efficiency Review News
To contact the reporter responsible for this article, please email editor@fathom-mi.com
