The container ships “Basle Express” and “Essen Express” consume up to 5% less fuel following technical optimization of their propulsion systems.
Hapag-Lloyd has subjected the 14,000 TEU ships to an Engine-Part-Load-Optimization (EPLO). It was carried out by Accelleron and HD HMS (HD Hyundai Marine Solution)
The “Basle Express” and “Essen Express” received adjustments to the main engines as well as modified turbocharger components for operation at lower engine loads. Sea tests and subsequent operation showed fuel savings of more than 10 g/kWh – equivalent to around 5% of total consumption in certain load ranges.
Hull and propeller already optimized
The EPLO product from Accelleron and HMS ensures that ships that are operated with lower engine power than originally designed – for example to comply with energy efficiency regulations or to reduce CO₂ cost risks – operate as efficiently as possible. Both Hapag-Lloyd ships had previously been retrofitted with hull and propeller optimizations in order to achieve the required speed with significantly lower power.
By using EPLO and switching off individual turbochargers, the ships can continue to provide the required propulsion power while achieving additional fuel savings over and above the previous retrofit measures.
The optimization was implemented in a highly efficient project following a preliminary technical assessment; commissioning took place just four weeks after the order was placed. Following the positive results, Hapag-Lloyd will extend the implementation to the remaining eight ships in the Dortmund Express class.
“Increasing the efficiency of our ships is a central pillar of our energy efficiency and decarbonization strategy. The measured fuel savings give our fleet a clear competitive advantage – realized within only four weeks after placing the order and with immediate benefits for our company,” says Christoph Thiem, Director Fleet Innovation & Projects at Hapag-Lloyd.
Customized upgrades
Working with lifecycle solutions provider HMS, Accelleron implemented a customized EPLO solution that included optimizing the turbocharger hardware and adapting the main engine for part-load operation. In addition, a fixed shutdown function was integrated into one turbocharger to further increase efficiency in the partial load range.
EPLO improves engine efficiency in the most relevant power range of a ship by adapting the turbocharger configuration and engine parameters to the slower operating profiles that are common today. In the face of increasing competitive pressure and regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which increasingly incentivize emission reductions, EPLO has become an established retrofit solution for ships in part-load operation.
To date, HMS and Accelleron have jointly secured EPLO contracts for more than 100 vessels with a large number of shipping companies worldwide, it is reported. The recently retrofitted Hapag-Lloyd ships in particular have shown that the implementation has enabled a rapid return on investment to be achieved in such a short time.
