Everllence and Hudong-Zhonghua to Develop Hybrid-Electric LNG Carrier

Everllence has signed an engineering design agreement with China's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding to develop a 180,000-cubic-metre LNG carrier with a DFE+ hybrid-electric propulsion system. The agreement reimagines the conventional dual-fuel diesel-electric system, combining battery power, dual-fuel engines and advanced controls to meet tightening IMO emissions requirements. Analysis suggests the concept could increase cargo capacity by 5 percent compared with a two-stroke design of the same footprint, offering shipowners a more efficient option.

 

Details of the Agreement

 

Everllence has entered a significant shipbuilding partnership. It signed an engineering design agreement with a Chinese shipbuilder. The partner is Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. The agreement covers development of a 180,000-cubic-metre LNG carrier. The vessel will feature a DFE+ propulsion system.

The agreement was formalised earlier this year. Representatives from both companies signed the deal on 5 June. The partnership pairs an engine maker with a state-owned shipbuilder. Both see potential for the propulsion system in LNG shipping. It is intended to meet tightening IMO emission requirements.

 

Building on Prior Collaboration

 

The agreement extends an existing relationship. The two parties have collaborated before this deal. They previously worked together on LNG carrier deliveries. This involved 10 conventional dual-fuel diesel-electric carriers. That earlier work established a foundation for the new partnership.

This history informs the current collaboration. The companies bring complementary expertise to the project. Everllence is a market leader in four-stroke engines. Hudong-Zhonghua leads in LNG carrier construction. Combining these strengths is central to the partnership's rationale.

 

Understanding the Technology

 

The propulsion concept builds on established systems. Dual-fuel diesel-electric propulsion emerged in the early 2000s. It uses four-stroke, medium-speed generator engines. These burn boil-off gas from the cargo to produce electricity. That electricity drives the ship's electric propulsion motors.

The DFE+ concept reimagines this established approach. It is a hybrid-electric evolution of the earlier system. The concept was first reported in 2023. It employs existing components from the partners. These include battery systems, dual-fuel engines and advanced controls.

 

Read More: Leonhardt & Blumberg Retrofits First Cargo Ship With Wind Propulsion

 

Components and Capabilities

 

The system integrates several advanced technologies. It uses dynamic AC controls and battery systems. Everllence four-stroke dual-fuel engine technology forms the core. Permanent magnet motors contribute to the propulsion. A predictive emissions monitoring system and pod propulsors complete the setup.

These components work together to improve efficiency. The hybrid-electric approach optimises power generation and use. Batteries allow more flexible energy management. This can reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The integration of these elements defines the DFE+ concept.

 

Efficiency Benefits

 

The system offers notable performance advantages. An analysis by DNV examined its potential benefits. It compared a DFE+ vessel with a two-stroke design. Both had the same footprint for the comparison. The DFE+ concept could increase cargo capacity by 5 percent.

This capacity gain carries commercial significance. More cargo capacity within the same footprint improves economics. This makes the vessel more attractive to shipowners. The efficiency gains also support emissions compliance. Together these benefits strengthen the concept's appeal.

 

Industry Significance

 

The partnership addresses pressing industry challenges. Shipowners face challenges in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Company leadership highlighted these unprecedented pressures. The hybrid-electric solution offers shipowners more options. It provides a route toward more efficient LNG carriers.

The collaboration reflects a broader industry trend. Individual technology providers can achieve only marginal gains alone. Bigger improvements require closer collaboration between parties. Shipyards and engine manufacturers must work together. This partnership aims to advance propulsion systems to the next level.