Marine Engineering Techniques

How might #wind technologies reshape #emissions penalties under International Maritime Organization’s two-tiered pricing framework?🧐 I visited the Berge Olympus when it called Singapore🇸🇬 to learn about its 2023 installation of four Wind Wings #sails. Each sail is about 45 m tall and 25 m wide. Together, they weigh 2000 tons, just 1% of the vessel’s deadweight tonnage. Collapsible on the port side, the sails don’t interfere with cargo loading and unloading operations, which happens from the starboard side.🚢 The sails are deployed 65% of the time; they are collapsed when transiting busy waters or during port approaches. Deployment is fully automated and takes just 1-1.5 hours.🤖 The Berge Olympus runs the Brazil-China🇧🇷🇨🇳 iron ore route, and its passage around the Cape of Good Hope🌍 allows for consistent wind conditions.🌬️ On favourable days, the sails can deliver up to 16% fuel savings, a meaningful figure by any measure.🤩 This visit got me thinking about the role wind technologies play in reducing emissions penalties under the IMO’s newly approved #GFI-linked pricing mechanism. Under this framework, two variables determine emissions and the accompanying penalties: 📍The amount of energy consumed, or the amount of fuel used; 📍The GHG Fuel Intensity of that energy source. Technologies, like advanced hull #coatings and air #lubrication, lower emissions by reducing fuel consumption.📉 But wind and #solar technologies are classified as energy inputs, much like zero-emissions fuels. They therefore affect a vessel’s attained GFI.🧮 This distinction is subtle but important.🙋🏻♀️ Because penalties are assessed when GFI crosses the direct compliance and base thresholds, a small improvement in GFI can result in a big step drop in penalty.💵 In the hypothetical example of a vessel that consumes 5000 tons of HFO per year (GFI of 91 g CO2e/MJ), its GFI sits above both penalty thresholds. So the vessel operator would need to pay both the $100/ton and $380/ton emissions charges. If the vessel is retrofitted with sails that deliver 5% energy savings, its attained GFI drops to 86.5 g CO2e/MJ. With this GFI now below the base target, the ship operator now only pays the $100/ton charge. In this example, a 5% fuel offset has reduced the emissions penalty by 50%.😳😳 Under this IMO framework, wind (and #solar) retrofits not only reduce fuel consumption, they have a disproportionate impact on compliance cost that may become hard to ignore.🤔 Team Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) is playing its part. By working with shipowners and operators, we are helping to verify fuel savings,💰 and piloting pay-as-you-save (#PAYS) to help lower #data and #financing barriers that slow adoption.👊🏻 Together, we are stronger; together, we can💪🏻 PS. Thank you, friends at Berge Bulk, especially James Marshall, Paolo Tonon and Michael Blanding, for an up-close tour; photos in comments🫶🏻 International Windship Association

This is the nacelle and hub for the largest #wind turbine ever produced, unveiled by Dongfan in China over the weekend. To give a sense of the scale, with a rotor diameter of 310m this is like having the Eiffel tower spinning in the wind, 185m above the ground. At 26 MW, this turbine is by far the largest to ever roll off the production line. The largest currently in operation is the 20 MW Mingyang turbine, the first installation of which was completed in August. It's been built to withstand typhoons and operate in areas with wind speeds of 8 m/s and above. If the average wind speed were 10 m/s it would generate 100 GWh of electricity in a year. How much bigger will wind turbines get? Larger turbines can access faster winds at higher altitudes, which helps generate cheaper electricity. But structural design factors favour smaller turbines. Image credit: People's Daily, China #energy #sustainability #renewables #energytransition

Ocean tech breakthrough: Engineers are leveraging #windpower to chart a course toward a decarbonized #maritime shipping industry. ⚓ This past week, the #PyxisOcean cargo ship (owned by Mitsubishi Corporation and chartered by U.S. shipping giant Cargill), began its maiden journey using newly installed “WindWings.” What are WindWings? This new maritime solution is a patent pending evolution of sail technology to propel ships using wind power with a contemporary twist. How does this #innovation differ from traditional sails? WindWings are: - Made of steel and fiberglass (the same material as wind turbines) rather than natural or synthetic sailcloth - Stand at a towering 123 feet tall - Have two extensions that open out from the sides (hence “wings”) The developers—UK engineering firm BAR Technologies and Norwegian company Yara Marine Technologies—attest each unit can save a cargo ship 1.5 tonnes of fuel per day, resulting in lifetime emissions reductions of as much as 30% (this reportedly varies depending on new builds vs. retrofits, and aerodynamic hull optimization efforts). The potential of pairing WindWings with #alternativefuels (see my recent post on “green” methanol) could theoretically revolutionize maritime cargo transport! How long do you think it will take to scale this tech? Is this a viable solution for low/zero emissions transportation? Check out the launch video here → https://lnkd.in/erbieMTj

Norway built underwater wind turbines that harness power from ocean currents—without disturbing marine life Deep beneath the North Sea, Norwegian engineers have deployed a new class of turbines unlike any seen before. Instead of standing above water catching the breeze, these massive structures sit beneath the waves, silently rotating with powerful ocean currents. Dubbed “SeaSpinners”, these turbines offer clean, round-the-clock energy — and a surprisingly gentle presence in the marine ecosystem. Each SeaSpinner uses a helical turbine design — similar to corkscrews — which allows them to spin regardless of current direction. Anchored to the seafloor, the turbine arrays rotate with slow, consistent motion, harnessing the kinetic energy of deep-sea currents, which are more stable and predictable than wind. Unlike surface wind farms, these units are shielded from storms, generate no noise pollution, and cast no shadows. Even more impressive, their rotation speed is calibrated to match local marine life swimming patterns — making them safe for fish and whales. Underwater cameras have captured dolphins and seals swimming comfortably through active arrays. The power generated is transmitted to coastal grids via high-voltage undersea cables. A single turbine cluster can power 25,000 homes, with almost no visual impact on the horizon. Norway’s government is backing full-scale deployment along the Arctic coastline, aiming for 20% of its energy to come from submerged renewables by 2035. This isn’t just offshore energy — it’s in-sea energy, quiet, constant, and invisible.

"DG Synchronization" is the process of matching the voltage, frequency, and phase of a Diesel Generator (DG) with an existing power grid or another generator before connecting them. This ensures smooth power transfer and prevents electrical disturbances. Key Parameters for Synchronization 1. Voltage – The DG voltage should match the grid or other generator. 2. Frequency – The DG frequency should be equal to the system frequency. 3. Phase – The DG’s phase angle should align with the system phase angle. 4. Phase Sequence – The sequence of all phases (R-Y-B) should be identical. Methods of DG Synchronization 1. Manual – Using a synchro scope or lamps method, where an operator manually adjusts the DG settings. 2. Automatic – Performed using an Automatic Synchronization Panel with controllers like Woodward, DEIF, or Deep Sea. Why Synchronization is Important? * Prevents voltage fluctuations and damage to electrical equipment. * Ensures a seamless transfer of power during grid failures. * Allows multiple generators to share the load efficiently.

This massive structure isn't a spacecraft or a movie prop—it’s GE’s Haliade-X, the world’s most powerful wind turbine nacelle. With a 12-megawatt capacity, it has the potential to generate enough clean electricity for over 16,000 homes per unit. Each turbine blade is an engineering marvel, stretching 107 meters—longer than an entire football field—and designed to withstand punishing offshore conditions for decades. The Haliade-X isn’t just a milestone for renewable energy; it represents a shift in how the world thinks about sustainability at scale. These offshore giants are part of the urgent global effort to replace fossil fuels with clean energy sources. As coastal countries rush to harness wind from sea breezes, turbines like this are laying the groundwork for greener grids and energy independence.

🔌 Generator Synchronization Panel (DG Synchronization Panel) A Generator Synchronization Panel is a control and protection system that enables two or more diesel generators (DGs) to operate in parallel. It synchronizes key parameters—voltage, frequency, and phase sequence—before connecting them to a common busbar, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable power distribution. 🔄 How Does a DG Synchronization Panel Work? The panel automatically matches the electrical outputs of each generator before paralleling. Here's how it works: ⚙️ Step-by-Step Working: Start-Up When power demand arises, one or more DG sets start automatically (usually via the AMF system). Monitoring The panel continuously monitors: Voltage Frequency Phase angle Uses CTs (Current Transformers) and PTs (Potential Transformers) for sensing. Adjustment If mismatches are detected, the system automatically adjusts: Speed (affects frequency) via Speed Governor Controller Voltage via AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) Synchronization Once voltage, frequency, and phase angle match across generators: The synchronizing relay activates. Circuit breakers close, connecting the generator to the common busbar. Load Sharing A Load Sharing Controller ensures: Balanced load across all active generators. Efficient fuel use and reduced mechanical stress. 🎯 Why Use a Generator Synchronization Panel? ✅ Increases total power output by combining generator capacities. ✅ Provides redundancy—ensures uninterrupted power during failures. ✅ Optimizes fuel usage through intelligent load management. ✅ Reduces wear and tear—extends generator lifespan. ✅ Minimizes downtime and maintenance. 🧠 Key Components of a DG Synchronization Panel Component Function🔁 Synchronizing Relay Matches voltage, frequency, and phase between DGs.⚖️ Load Sharing Controller Balances electrical load among connected DGs.⚡ AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) Maintains stable output voltage.⏩ Speed Governor Controller Regulates engine speed to control frequency.🧲 Circuit Breakers (ACB/MCCB) Safely connect/disconnect generators from the system.🔄 AMF Controller Handles automatic mains failure and DG start/stop.📏 CTs & PTs Measure current and voltage parameters.📊 Multifunction Meter/Display Displays key values like voltage, current, power, frequency.⚙️ Control Relays & ContactorsControl operations and system protection.🧠 PLC / Synchronization Controller Automates the synchronization process. ⚡ Working Principle: Synchronization Conditions To safely synchronize multiple generators, the following four conditions must be met: Condition Requirement🔌 Voltage Must be equal between all DGs.🔄 Frequency Must be the same.📈 Phase Sequence Must be identical.🕓 Phase Angle Must be ≈ 0° (in phase). ✅ Once all conditions are satisfied, the synchronizing relay closes the breaker, and generators share the load on a common bus.

Japan has indeed made a significant breakthrough in renewable energy by developing a massive underwater turbine to harness power from ocean currents. The turbine, named Kairyu, weighs around 330 tons and is designed to withstand powerful ocean currents, converting their flow into a virtually limitless supply of electricity. The turbine can orient itself to locate the most optimal place to generate power from deep-water currents. It's anchored to the ocean floor by an anchor line and power cables, allowing it to feed electricity into the grid. Ocean power could potentially provide 40-70% of Japan's energy needs. Kairyu completed a 3.5-year test in the waters of southwestern Japan in February 2022. The turbine is expected to be operational sometime in the 2030s. This technology offers a promising solution for sustainable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The development of Kairyu showcases Japan's engineering capabilities and commitment to renewable energy. 🇯🇵 #BeautyOfJapan #Turbine #renewableenergy #engineering

🌊🇯🇵 Japan Makes Waves in Ocean Energy Japan has just activated its first megawatt-scale tidal energy turbine — the 1.1 MW AR1100, now spinning silently beneath the Naru Strait. ⚙️🌊 🚀 Built by Proteus Marine Renewables, this underwater powerhouse uses cutting-edge blade pitch and yaw controls to convert tidal currents — driven by the moon and sun — into clean, consistent electricity. Unlike wind or solar, tidal forces are fully predictable, making this a milestone moment in renewable energy. 🌗🔁 🔌 Now connected to the grid through a subsea cable, the AR1100 is powering the Goto Islands, reducing diesel reliance and slashing carbon emissions. With this bold step, Japan cements its role as a leader in marine energy — setting the stage for ocean-powered communities around the world. 🌍⚡ #TidalEnergy #OceanPower #JapanInnovation #CleanEnergy #GotoIslands #MarineTech #SustainableEnergy #AR1100 #ProteusMarine #NetZero2050 #RenewableEnergy #Japan #EnergyFuture #GreenTech