Post by Oliver Taylor

Hybrid propulsion for cross-Channel ferries. Ferry and cruise line P&O’s next generation of vessels set to ply the English Channel will feature a hybrid propulsion system supplied by ABB. They will be built by Guangzhou Shipyard International and be powered by a combination of 8.8MWh batteries and diesel generators, which the operator hopes will cut fuel consumption by around 40% compared with P&O’s current Dover-Calais crossing. Initially, the batteries will provide maneuvering power in port, but P&O hopes that once shore charging facilities come online, complete zero-emissions crossing will be possible. The shipping line currently has two vessels on order, both of which will be equipped with ABB’s Azipod propulsion units, with four per vessel, rated at 7.5MW each. The boats’ diesel engines will also feature a two-stage turbocharging system that should further improve power efficiency and help achieve up to 5% in fuel savings (compared with current engines). The vessels will also be equipped with ABB’s Ability Marine Pilot Control, an intelligent maneuvering and control system that the company says enables safer, more efficient operations by automating some navigational tasks to allow bridge officers to focus on optimizing overall ship control and positioning.