Everllence, ABB, OceanWings join forces to engineer novel, optimized propulsion concepts

Germany-based engine maker Everllence (formerly known as MAN ES Solutions), Swiss technology company ABB and French designer and manufacturer OceanWings have shaken hands on a joint project that will aim to develop optimized and sustainable propulsion concepts.

As disclosed, the three partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at a recent maritime event in Italy to engineer propulsion concepts that build on Everllence’s and ABB’s existing DFE+ (Diesel-Electric with variable speed) concept.

The concept reportedly enables improved engine efficiency (even at partial loads), operational flexibility via multiple engines, and future integration of environmentally friendly energy sources such as batteries and fuel cells.

According to Everllence, the all-embracing goal of the initiative is to demonstrate the ‘advantages’ of combining wind-assisted propulsion solutions (WAPS) with DFE+, particularly due to increasing regulatory and financial pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Moreover, the collaboration will seek to deliver ‘considerable’ reductions in both OPEX and CAPEX for next-generation ship designs.

The initial scope of the partnership will reportedly concentrate on a future concept of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, with further applications envisaged within the cargo