Dual Fuel Electric System as an alternative Propulsion for LNG Carrier

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to play an increasingly important role in the natural gas industry and global energy markets in the next era. The combination natural gas prices, rising gas import demand, and the desire of gas producers to monetize their gas reserves is setting the stage for increased global LNG trade. The LNG value chain necessarily involves LNG shipping. Traditionally liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGC) have used steam turbine propulsion systems since that allows easy disposal of cargo Boil Off. The steam turbine has surely performed high reliability for a long time since it was installed on LNGC, except for just a few problems with high-speed reduction gearing part, low efficiency, and high emissions.
The present investigation proposes and studies an alternative to the traditional propulsion system which is dual fuel electric propulsion. The electric propulsion system is proved an efficient operation in cruise ships. In additional the dual fuel engines improve the environmental impact assessment with the annual operating cost and meet the classification society's regulations. An actual case study is carried and NavCad software is used to predict and analysis the vessel speed and power performance. The environmental and economical output results, of the proposed ship propulsion power plant, are compared with the existing systems. The values are acceptable and encouraging. The results indicated that, the proposed installation is more green and clean with economical operation.