Hyundai, Accelleron and Neptune pioneer ship engine optimisation

Engine company, HD Hyundai Marine Solution, has signed an agreement with Piraeus-based Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises SA, to assist with Engine Part Load Optimisation (EPLO) on four car carriers.

HD Hyundai has recently established the EPLO service with turbocharger specialist, Accelleron, and the partners won their first order last October.

Many existing marine engines will require modifications to meet IMO regulations including the energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI) and carbon intensity indicator (CII) requirements. These aim to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions.

Since ships’ engines are optimised for a certain design speed, EPLO technology may well be required to ensure that they can still operate efficiently when owners use engine power limitation as a means of complying with the regulations. Typically, engines may operate at around 70% load but, without ELPO, the combustion process could well be significantly less efficient.

Matthias Reichmann, Accelleron’s global product manager, Upgrades, said: “With EPLO, Accelleron is assisting the maritime industry to not only boost the competitiveness of their vessels but also to achieve profitable navigation towards their mid-term decarbonisation goals.”