GE Aviation

--MIAMI, Florida - GE Marine & Industrial Engines (M&I) outlined the advantages of using a GE LM aeroderivative based combined gas turbine and steam turbine integrated electric drive system (COGES) for cruise ships during a press briefing and propulsion system review held at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference.

"The findings of various recent studies have indicated that a gas turbine-based cruise ship propulsion system can not only increase revenues but can be an environmentally-friendly solution for future International Marine Organization and local environmental regulations," said Carl Brady of M&I who facilitated the presentation. "Yet the advantages of using a gas turbine propulsion system are more far reaching for cruise ship owners," Brady continued. He highlighted the following benefits of a COGES ship using these lightweight gas turbines:

• high power density means increased revenue-producing space
• high thermal efficiency translates into an overall ship fuel consumption rate equal to or lower than a comparable diesel electric system
• low maintenance and manning requirements as well as low lube oil consumption make operating costs highly competitive
• low first cost including acquisition and installation
• low NOx and SOx emissions with no selective catalytic reduction equipment or special exhaust treatment system required for any proposed regulations
• high availability and high reliability as well as rapid repair and/or engine change out resulting in high ship availability
• low noise and vibration enables higher value cabins near the engine rooms

Brady also provided specifics from several studies that compared a COGES to a diesel-electric arrangement. The findings show that the COGES ship allows for increased revenue-producing space.

In addition, a COGES ship has a significantly reduced number of auxiliary system components, supporting piping, valves and automation points. "Less equipment means there are lower installation and operating costs associated with a COGES ship," Brady said. "It has been found that a typical COGES cruise ship requires some 90 fewer machinery-related major components, 30 fewer pumps, 5,600 meters less piping and ducting, 150 tonnes less piping weight, 350 less valves in machinery piping, and 800 less automation points," he added.

M&I's Marine Experience
M&I's LM aeroderivative gas turbines are not new to the military and commercial marine markets. In fact, LMs have been used extensively for naval ship propulsion for many years. M&I's most popular aeroderivative gas turbine, the LM2500, currently powers the U.S. Navy's entire surface combatant fleet. This gas turbine is also used by 23 other navies worldwide.

In the commercial arena, four LM2500s were recently chosen by Fincantieri of Italy for two of Tirrenia Lines' MDV 3000 fast ferries. When the first MDV 3000 monohull high-speed fast ferry begins commercial service in March 1998, it will be more than comparable in size and speed to Stena's High Speed Service (HSS) 1500-class fast ferries.

Two Stena HSS 1500-class fast ferries each use M&I's LM gas turbines. Two LM2500 and two LM1600 gas turbines are configured on each semi-swath vessel in a father/son arrangement to achieve speeds of more than 40 knots.

M&I's smallest aeroderivative - the LM500 - also penetrated the commercial marine market. Two Foilcat hydrofoil fast ferries each use two LM500 propulsion packages. These 400-passenger ferries, built by Kvaerner Fjellstrand for Hong Kong's Far East Hydrofoil, provide service between Hong Kong and Macao.