GE to Display LM2500 Turbine at World LNG Fuels 2014 (USA)

GE Aviation will display its model LM2500 high-speed catamaran engine at the World LNG Fuels Conference in Houston, Jan. 21-23.

Earlier this year, Buenos Aires-based Buquebus, a diversified transportation company, set a world speed record of 58.1 knots (107.6 kmh or 66.9 mph) by powering its new Francisco high-speed ferry with LNG and diesel-fueled LM2500 turbines.

Each engine can produce 22 megawatts (approximately 30,000 horsepower). The turbines are derived from jet engines GE makes to power large aircraft. Those turbines aboard the Francisco can be fueled with natural gas and/or marine diesel. Both drive Wartsila LJX 1720 SR waterjets, which propel the 99-meter (325-foot) ship across the Río de la Plata estuary.

“We’re delighted GE is able to display the LM2500 technology to the conference,” said Bob Nimocks, World LNG Fuels program chairman. “GE will join some 60 other companies displaying new equipment and services to make domestic natural gas a competitive, clean fuel.”

The Buquebus Francisco currently ferries up to 1,000 passengers and 150 automobiles between Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hobart-based Incat built the high-speed catamaran on an aluminum hull with a unique wave-piercing design.

“When we have less fuel on board, and delivery spares removed, we will see the speed go higher in the shallow waters of the Río de la Plata,” Incat Chairman Robert Clifford, told the NGV Journal earlier this year. “We are delighted with the efficiency of the design and sure that our customer, Buquebus, will be pleased with the results, enabling the ferry to compete with airline traffic on the Río de la Plata route.”

With more than 65 speakers, including 24 fleet operators like Buquebus, UPS, Maersk and CSX the fourth annual World LNG Fuels conference will provide a forum for transportation executives to meet and learn of advancing capabilities of the natural gas industry.

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LNG World News Staff, January 07, 2014; Image: GE