GE partners with South Korean companies to develop COGES LPG-fueled ferry design
GE Aviation’s marine gas turbine business has signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the joint development of LPG-fueled ferry design, GE's Marine Solutions said. The ferry will feature GE’s compact and lightweight Combined Gas Turbine, Electric and Steam (COGES) system for all ship power, including propulsion.
Participating in the MOU signing were Youngsung Global CEO Bumsu Ku, DINTEC Director Hunsoo Ha, Korea LPG Industry Association Chairman Joonseok Hong, GE Aviation MSO Korea Leader Kirby Luke, Far East Ship Design & Engineering Co (FESDEC) CEO Jungkang In, and Cryos CEO Daesung Kim.
As this is the world’s first LPG-fueled COGES ship, the LPG industry is actively taking part in this project. For instance, FESDEC is handling the ferry design, and Cryos brings extensive experience in designing and manufacturing LPG fuel tanks.
The new GE LPG-fueled COGES ferry design is expected to improve safety and efficiency while reducing nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions, meeting regulatory standards of the International Maritime Organization. The ferry’s operational expenses also will decrease by 35%. Therefore, the newly developed ferry is expected to deliver economic value and eco-friendliness that global markets require today.
According to Brien Bolsinger, Vice President of GE Aviation’s Marine Operations, “There is increased attention worldwide on LPG as a viable fuel for the maritime industry, and we are excited to collaborate on this ferry project. The compact COGES arrangement—lighter and smaller than comparable four-stroke diesel engines— will allow for more passengers. Owners, operators, designers and shipyards will see that the COGES system also offers lower life cycle costs.”
In fact, GE gas turbines are no stranger to the seas and no new technology is required to construct GE‘s COGES system. Instead, GE is configuring existing products and integrating them into new applications. GE gas turbines operate on cruise ships, eight of which feature COGES arrangements. Other commercial marine applications include fast cargo ships, high-speed yachts, offshore platforms, and floating production and offloading ships. The same gas turbines are used by 34 navies worldwide for defense; now commercial marine customers can experience the benefits of this propulsion system solution through the efforts including this MOU.
Youngsung Global CEO Bumsu Ku said, “The new eco-friendly LPG-fueled ferry will operate the Incheon-Jeju and other international passenger routes. Also, with the use of LPG, we expect to save on operational costs and contribute to reducing our global environmental footprint.”
Korea LPG Industry Association Chairman Joonsuk Hong said, “The LPG-fueled ferry to be developed through collaboration between GE and LPG-related technology companies will contribute to the growth of Korea’s LPG and shipping industries. In addition, it will be a good opportunity to use Korea’s existing LPG bunkering infrastructure.”