GE’s Innovative Power Generation, Propulsion and DP for New PSVs

GE Energy Management’s Power Conversion business will supply Singapore marine services company Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Limited (SPO) with integrated power generation, propulsion, dynamic positioning (DP) and automation systems for eight new offshore platform supply vessels (PSVs). Four of the PSVs are being built by Universal Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) in Japan and the remaining four by Estaleiro Ilha S.A. (EISA) in Brazil.

The PSVs are designed to provide more rapid transit times between the home port, and the oilfield and can do so efficiently by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Each of the PSVs will feature diesel electric propulsion systems driving GE’s innovative Inovelis podded propulsion units. Inovelis is a pushing pod that is uniquely based on pump jet principles featuring a fixed stator vane and a nozzle that act together to guide the water flow across the propeller blades and housing, thus minimizing wasted propulsion force and reducing the fuel that is expended in trying to compensate for this lost thrust. Housed within a compact, hydrodynamically efficient enclosure, its compact size facilitates an optimized hull form and a better overall integration between the hull and the propulsion unit—directly influencing fuel economy and a consequent reduction in emissions and a positive improvement in the overall operational efficiency of the vessels.

“With large PSVs representing an increasingly important business segment for our customers, GE’s innovative power generation, propulsion, DP and automation technology will be vital in helping us provide our customers with reliable and efficient PSVs to support its activities.” said, Neil Glenn, managing director of Swire Pacific Offshore.

“GE is committed to meeting the operational requirements of Swire and its customers by providing a fully integrated solution for power, propulsion and control systems that offer significant benefits in terms of fuel usage and enhanced operational efficiency,” said Paul English, marine vertical leader for GE Energy Management’s Power Conversion business. “Swire’s selection of GE’s integrated solution also benefits the two shipbuilders USC and EISA by giving them a single source for the power, propulsion and control/automation equipment, which streamlines the procurement process and reduces their technical and commercial risk.”

GE’s scope of supply includes diesel engine-driven alternators as well as main and auxiliary switchboards. The propulsion system will be comprised of the Inovelis podded propulsion units, thruster motors and variable frequency drives for the podded propulsion units and for the tunnel thrusters and the C- Series dynamic positioning and vessel automation systems.

Elements of GE’s delivery for these ships will be manufactured locally in Brazil where GE has invested heavily in production facilities for motors, alternators, variable frequency drives, distribution equipment, DP and automation as well as support services including technical assistance, spare parts and training facilities.

GE will deliver its equipment to the two shipyards between May 2013 and February 2014. The first PSV is expected to enter service in September 2013 and the last in September 2014.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, August 30, 2012; Image: stx