WinGD integrates drive systems into wind-powered tankers for the first time

(CONNECT) London-based shipping company Union Maritime Limited (UML) has commissioned WinGD to integrate its X-EL Integrated Energy solution into its four 136,000-ton wind-powered tankers. According to a statement from WinGD, they are currently being built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co in south-east China. This is the first time that WinGD's solutions have been used in wind-assisted propulsion systems to ensure optimal utilization of the energy generated by the main engine and sails on board.

WinGD configures the hybrid propulsion system for these four ships and installs a shaft generator for the main engines. This in turn is linked to the WinGD X-EL energy management system. It optimizes the power and electrical distribution between the motors, the shaft generator in power take-off mode and the sails. The tankers are also the first in which WinGD will apply its integrated energy system to third-party main engines.

UML wants to build the most energy-efficient ships on the market, according to its technical director Bhuvnesh Dogra: "WinGD's X-EL solution, which controls the entire energy consumption and at the same time uses the fuel-saving main engine to generate auxiliary electrical energy, will make an important contribution to the efficiency of these ships."

Stefan Goranov, WinGD's Head of Integrated Energy Solutions, is convinced that the company's in-house expertise in system integration and control of two-stroke based hybrid energy systems will allow "to optimize the efficiency and reliability of operating a vessel with wind-assisted propulsion. UML's new vessels will be a showcase for the efficiency that can be achieved through holistic energy management based on the main engine." ce/mm