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#Industry News

Optimising tug propulsion

At this year's Tugnology conference in London, UK, MTU showcased its tug portfolio. On the second day of the event the company launched the the simulation tool which it has developed to optimise marine engines.

Christoph Thielen, a marine engineer at MTU said: “With this tool, you can visualise the complete ship system. We achieved this by taking individual models of the engine, gearbox, propeller and ship and integrating them in a simulation environment. So we simulate manoeuvres before actually putting them in practice. Besides assisting engine development, this tool can also be useful prior to the commissioning of a propulsion system, when we can make any modifications needed to suit the customer's specific requirements. We can also use it for engines already in service that we would like to optimise.”

Looking to the future, Thielen foresees various trends in tug propulsion technology: “The customer's choice of propulsion solution is very much influenced by emissions directives and life-cycle costs. This has led to a major focus on gas engines and hybrid systems with exhaust aftertreatment. MTU, Damen Shipyards and Svitzer are currently collaborating on bringing the first Reverse Stern Drive tug powered by natural gas onto the market. MTU is developing a new gas engine and is to ship it to Damen in 2016. The market launch is planned for 2018.”

From spring 2015, MTU and tugboat operator Fairplay Towage are to test a port tugboat powered by an MTU diesel genset with SCR exhaust aftertreatment. These tests will be the first trials worldwide of high-speed diesel engines equipped with SCR for meeting IMO III regulations.

Learn more about MTU’s commercial engines at Seawork International 2015 on stand A91.

Details

  • London, UK
  • MTU

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