Greenland Research Vessel Picks MAN Hybrid Propulsion Package

The Astilleros Balenciaga S.A. shipyard in Spain has ordered a complete MAN propulsion package – including MAN 27/38 and 175D engines, a 5-bladed MAN Alpha propeller and both remote-control and MAN HyProp systems – for the construction of a research vessel for the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources.

The 61-m, ice-class trawler is designed by the Norwegian company Skipsteknisk. It will come equipped with research and laboratory facilities, as well as accommodation for 32 people. Delivery of the propulsion package is scheduled for Q1, 2020 with the vessel expected to enter service from spring 2021.

MAN Energy Solutions noted that several fishing vessels featuring a Skipsteknisk design are currently under construction, of which 18 feature MAN propulsion packages.

“This marks the first time that we have sold a MAN 175D unit to a research vessel, yet another market niche that it capably fills and a testament to how versatile a performer this engine is,” said Lex Nijsen, head of Four-Stroke Marine Sales – MAN Energy Solutions. “That it forms part of a complete propulsion package with our 27/38 engine and other MAN equipment is most welcome, and sits well with our intention to increasingly become a supplier of complete propulsion solutions.”

The MAN propulsion package includes:

• A MAN 8L27/38 Tier 3 with an MAN selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system
• A five-bladed Alpha propeller
• The Alphatronic 3000 Remote Control system
• A MAN 12V175D auxiliary GenSet Tier 3 with an MAN SCR system
• A MAN D2862 auxilliary GenSet Tier 3 with an MAN SCR system
• A HyProp ECO system.

MAN Energy Solutions said that the vessel’s propulsion package has been assembled with a special focus on minimizing noise. As such, the research vessel will be driven by a diesel-mechanical set-up with the 27/38 acting as main propulsion and the MAN 175D and D2862 engines as auxiliary gensets. The 175D and D2862 will receive double-resilient mounting to comply with the vessel’s SILENT F notation. Similarly, the fully-integrated MAN HyProp ECO frequency drive for DE operation system will control the rotation of the five-bladed Alpha propeller. Notably, both auxiliary engines are double-resilient seated.

The DNV-GL’s SILENT class is the first published set of rules for underwater noise emission from vessels. It is designed to provide owners of acoustically-sensitive vessels with concise, realistic criteria regarding underwater noise-emissions, MAN said. It also gives environmentally-conscious owners an opportunity to demonstrate a low eco-footprint. Compliant ships are given the SILENT notation with an additional letter denoting a particular segment. In the case of the new research vessel, ‘F’ is reserved for vessels engaged in fishing.

The HyProp ECO system combines a diesel engine with a frequency-converter-driven shaft-alternator/motor and features multiple operational modes including diesel-electric propulsion for low-acoustic research activities. The system combines the advantages of a bi-directional operating frequency converter for the shaft machine with a high-efficiency CP propeller plant. HyProp ECO is also open for shore connection and the integration of energy-storage devices/batteries.

The newbuilding will replace the Institute’s former research vessel, Paamiut, that also featured a complete MAN propulsion package but the new vessel will be equipped to carry out many more types of surveillance and research. It will be capable of fishing by bottom-trawling (shrimps, halibut, cod) and pelagic trawling (mackerel, etc.). A drop keel and acoustic equipment will enable the Institute to carry out acoustic examinations of depth soundings and other, pelagic resources.

The vessel’s main purpose is to ensure the scientific basis for the sustainable exploitation of the living resources in offshore West and East Greenland. With the ship’s size and expanded capabilities, the Institute will also be able to search new, more-northerly, fishing grounds and alternative fish stocks, MAN said.