An advanced energy management system from power and automation technology group ABB will be installed in a new cruise ferry for the Viking Line – claimed to be the world’s largest passenger ship to be powered by LNG – due for launch from the STX shipyard in Turku, Finland early next year. The marine applications system software, known as ‘EMMA’ is an energy monitoring and management software system that will enable operators to make the most efficient use of fuel aboard the new ship. Basically, how does the system function and what are some of its benefits?
Energy Management Mapping by EMMA: Image credit ABB Group
Energy Management System – ‘EMMA’
The EMMA server connects through optical fibre cable and ethernet cable to the ship’s IT system, notably to the ship propulsion control systems by means of OPC (a software interface standard that allows Windows programmes to communicate with industrial hardware devices). Essentially two integrated networks are established and digital readings fed to the EMMA server: the first network is the ship’s integrated alarm, monitoring and control system, and the second is the diagnostic system.
Total vessel energy mapping is achieved by such means, with an operating panel and visual display (one for each of two separate port and starboard systems) situated in the electrical control room. These user configurable operator panels provide visual tools (see the schematic above) for monitoring, targeting and analysing key performance indicators, making it possible to fine-tune operating plant in order to achieve optimal energy consumption.
For example, when an engineer wants to plan energy generation to fit a varying load pattern (exemplified in vessels like the Viking cruise ferry which will have large and varying hotel loads to accommodate) a map of generation against fuel consumption enables a plan for the use of the generators that exploits load shedding and buffers as long as intermediate storage capacity is available. ABB estimate savings of up to 2% of the annual fuel price is achievable by the use of their system.
Cruise Ship for Viking Line – Hull Number NB 1376: Image credit Viking Line
Viking Line New Cruise Ferry
Propulsion machinery for the 57,000 grt, 214 m (702 ft) LOA ship, hull number NB 1376, built to serve an environmentally sensitive Baltic Sea route, is provided by four Wartsila 8L50 DF (dual fuel) diesel engines powered by either LNG or MDO, plus transverse bow and stern tunnel thrusters, and two stainless steel built-up fixed pitch propellors.
Machinery, equipment, outfitting and the structural work is under the special survey of classification society Lloyd’s Register of Shipping with an hydro-dynamically designed hull built to Lloyd’s Ice Class 1A Super specifications.
The Viking Line flagship, vaunted to be the 'greenest' (if there be such a superlative) large passenger ro-ro ferry in the world, as well as the quietest, due to new soundproofing technology) will be capable of carrying cars, trucks and road trailers on short international voyages with 2,800 passengers in 880 cabins and 200 crew members on board.