Sembcorp installs hybrid propulsion on first of twelve tugs

Sembcorp Marine is installing two MTU 16V 4000 M55RN gas engines from Rolls-Royce Power Systems on the first of twelve hybrid tugs to be built and delivered as replacements for diesel-powered units between now and 2025.

Designed by LMG Marin of Norway, a Sembcorp Marine subsidiary, the LNG hybrid tugs – claimed to be the first in the world – will be operated by Jurong Marine Services in Singapore. The flexible propulsion system will allow a range of operating modes allowing a switch between LNG and zero-emission battery power.

The first tug in the series, due for completion later this year, will have two 16-cylinder MTU Series 4000 gas engines generating 2,984 kW of power at 1,600 rpm. This will provide a bollard pull of 65 tonnes, approximately equivalent to a high-speed diesel engine. The Tier III-compliant engines will have multipoint fuel injection, dynamic engine control, and enhanced turbocharging to provide dynamic acceleration and high power when needed.

Chew Xiang Yu, head of Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ commercial marine business in Asia, said: “We are very happy to be part of Sembcorp Marine’s efforts in environmental protection and adopting new green technologies in their operations. The MTU marine gas engines are part of Rolls-Royce’s Green and High-Tech programme. Without exhaust gas aftertreatment, they emit no sulphur oxides and only very small quantities of nitrogen oxide, and particulate mass is below the verification limit.”