A groundbreaking milestone in maritime technology has been achieved with the launch of the world’s first LNG tugboat powered by a hybrid system in the bustling port of Singapore. Named JMS Sunshine, this innovative vessel is equipped with cutting-edge mtu gas engines from Rolls-Royce, marking a significant leap forward in environmentally sustainable marine operations.
Designed, constructed, and operated by Seatrium Limited, a prominent engineering solutions provider in the offshore and marine industry, the JMS Sunshine is a 29-meter-long tug boasting a powerful 65-tonne bollard pull capability. Its entry into service aligns with the Port of Singapore’s commitment to the Maritime R&D Roadmap 2030, aimed at enhancing environmental friendliness and reducing energy consumption in maritime activities.
Rolls-Royce has supplied two 16-cylinder mtu Series 4000M55RN gas engines and the gas regulating unit (GRU) for the harbour tug.
Chiam Toon Chong, Technical Superintendent of Seatrium Marine Services, said “The handling of mtu engines is straightforward and user-friendly. Additionally, spare part availability and service support are excellent for the operation of tugs.”
“We are proud that we were able to contribute to Seatrium’s innovative project with our gas engines. The workboat market is one of our strategic business areas. The mtu engines were selected because they meet the demanding requirements of harbour tug operations in terms of reliability, ease of operation, dynamic engine behavior, and low emissions,” said Chew Xiang Yu, Head of Rolls-Royce Power Systems civil marine business in Asia.
The mtu gas engines are already well below the limit values of current emission guidelines (such as IMO III) without exhaust gas aftertreatment. The particulate mass is below the detection limit, and they emit only small quantities of nitrogen oxides.
The hybrid system is particularly suitable for the load profile of the harbour tug
It enables very precise maneuvering and a strong bollard pull when full power is used. To achieve maximum thrust, the total power of the two azimuth stern thrusters is 4000 kilowatts. This is achieved by adding the 1492 kilowatts supplied by each mtu gas engine and 500 kilowatts of electric motor power on each shaft. The tug is equipped with a battery capacity of 904 kilowatt-hours. The battery power is used to absorb peak loads, for example during acceleration, to maneuver purely electrically in port and to supply the ship onboard with electricity.
In conclusion, the successful integration of mtu gas engines into the JMS Sunshine represents a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s journey towards decarbonization and environmental stewardship. With continued advancements in propulsion technology and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, stakeholders can look forward to a greener, more efficient future for maritime operations worldwide.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea, and on land. Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures, and economies together; they meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries; and enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power to protect.
Rolls-Royce has a presence in 48 countries and customers in more than 150, comprising over 250 commercial large aero engine customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and approximately 40,000 active Power Systems customers. We are committed to becoming a net-zero company by 2050, and we support our customers in doing the same.
Annual underlying revenue was £15.4bn in 2023, underlying operating profit was £1.6bn, and free cash flow was £1.3bn. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,500 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail, and defense vehicles, and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission-critical, standby, and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate-friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.
Source mtu Solution