OPERATIONAL AND ENERGY USE PROFILE CHARACTERISATION OF LNG CARRIERS WITH DFDE PROPULSION PLANTS

Abstract

Traditionally, the LNG fleet has been dominated by ships powered by steam plants however, new Four-stroke Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) or Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric (TFDE) propulsive plants offer fuel flexibility while operating at a higher thermal efficiency. This propulsion option has become a relevant alternative to steam-powered plants representing about 32% of the total LNG fleet in 2018. This study seeks to establish the operational and energy use profile of LNG carriers based on the analysis of high-frequency in-service data. It focuses on LNG carriers with DFDE propulsion systems using data collected between 2016 and 2018 from 11 LNG carriers – representing about 7% of the DFDE and TFDE powered LNG fleet. The continuous monitoring data covers many performance parameters allowing for a reliable analysis of operation and energy use while reducing uncertainty by measuring essential parameters rather than assuming or approximating.