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GE and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Receive ABS Approval in Principle for 178,000m3 LNG Carrier Design to be Powered by GE COGES System

September 06, 2016

HAMBURG, GERMANY – GE’s Marine Solutions and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. (HZ) have received Approval in Principle (AIP) from the America Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a jointly developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier design to be powered by GE’s Combined Gas Turbine Electric and Steam (COGES) system.

“We are delighted to work with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding on this 178,000 cubic-meter LNG carrier design that will use our efficient, reliable and dual-fuel marine gas turbine,” said GE’s Brien Bolsinger, Vice President, Marine Operations. “With AIP in hand from ABS, customers can now procure this LNG carrier that is capable of meeting Tier III International Maritime Organization and Tier 4 United States Environmental Protection Agency emissions requirements today,” Bolsinger added.

“Thanks to the compact and lightweight attributes of GE’s COGES arrangement, customers can realize an additional 4,000 cubic meters of LNG cargo space versus a traditional 174,000-cubic meter LNG carrier powered by dual fuel diesel engines,” said HZ President Chen Jun. “Also, since the GE gas turbine is dual fuel capable, it can operate either on the carrier’s cargo of boil off gas or on Marine Gas Oil to provide for all power and propulsion.”

“New technologies and innovations are essential ingredients for sustainable growth of the marine industry and protection of our natural environment,” says Bill Shi, ABS Vice President of Engineering, Greater China Division. “By evaluating this new design concept jointly developed by Hudong-Zhonghua and GE and granting this milestone AIP, we have acknowledged that the eco-friendly propulsion system is in compliance in principle with the requirements of the ABS standards and international regulations. We are pleased to be an integral part of this joint development project with a great potential to reduce exhaust emissions

The LM2500-family gas turbine used in GE’s COGES system is derived from GE’s proven CF6 aircraft engines. In fact, the marine gas turbine maintains a high degree of commonality with its flight-tested forerunner, boasting the same field reliability of 99.9%.

Gas Turbine Benefits

The compact COGES arrangement—fully 80% lighter and 30% smaller than comparable two-stroke diesels—will allow for increased container carrying capability. The COGES system also offers customers lower life cycle costs, negligible lubricating oil consumption, no methane slip and no pilot fuel or exhaust treatment required. Maintenance is also easy since little is required with COGES; only about 300 man-hours per year while the ship is underway. When more extensive maintenance is required, the entire turbine can be removed and replaced within 24 hours, reducing downtime and enabling maintenance to be carried out with minimal interruption to ship operations. 

About GE’s Marine Solutions

GE’s marine gas turbine business is part of GE Aviation and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. GE is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine propulsion products, systems and solutions including aeroderivative gas turbines ranging from 6,000 to 70,275 shaft horsepower/4.5 to 52 megawatts. These gas turbines reliably operate the world over in some of the most arduous conditions in temperatures ranging from -40 to 120oF/-40 to 48oC. For more information, visit ge.com/marine.

About HZ

Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. is one of the major shipbuilding enterprises under the flag of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). Hudong-Zhonghua has extensive expertise in the R&D, engineering and construction of ships ranging from naval ships, large LNG ships, large/ ultra-large container ships, offshore engineering products to duplex stainless steel chemical tankers, container-Ro/Ro ships, and other special purpose ships.

About ABS

ABS has been at the forefront of marine and offshore energy innovation for more than 150 years. In a constantly evolving industry, ABS works alongside its partners tackling the most pressing technical, operational and regulatory challenges so the marine and offshore industries can operate safely, securely and responsibly.