WinGD to integrate power systems on hybrid tankers

Four LR2 tankers being built in China for UK-based Union Maritime Limited (UML) are to have WinGD X-EL Integrated Energy systems to combine energy from wind propulsion systems with power from main engines.

Although the WinGD power integration system has previously combined engine power with energy from other sources such as shaft generators in hybrid arrangements, the 113,600dwt tankers, to be built at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, will be the first ships to have an integrated energy system integrating engine and wind power. The WinGD system is designed to optimise power and electrical distribution between main engines (of any type), shaft generators in power take-off mode, and wind sails.

Union Maritime’s head of Technical, Bhuvnesh Droga, commented: “Our ambition is to build the most energy-efficient vessels on the market and we believe wind-assisted propulsion is a key element in achieving that. So too is effective energy management across the vessel. WinGD’s X-EL solution, managing overall energy use while using the fuel-efficient main engine to generate auxiliary electrical power, will be an important contributor to the efficiency of these vessels.”

Stefan Goranov, head of Integrated Energy Solutions at WinGD, said: “To maximise the energy savings from wind-assisted propulsion, operators need an energy management system that can optimise engine and electrical power in response to the available wind power ... UML’s new vessels will be a showcase for the efficiencies that can be achieved through holistic energy management based around the main engine.”