An analysis of characteristics of ship gas turbine propulsion system (in the light of the requirements for ship operation in the Baltic Sea)

Abstract

The paper concerns a propulsion system of merchant ships intended for sailing in the Baltic Sea zone. Such system is to satisfy the ecological requirements determined by relevant international conventions for special zones to which the Baltic Sea also belongs. The paper draws attention to gas turbine used as a prime mover for such ships, because it satisfies the ecological requirements and has also other advantages. Application of gas turbine for ship powering does not require exhaust gas to be purified, however it requires fuel oils of a low sulphur content to be used. If the ecological rules impose the using of the fuel oils of similar quality for diesel engines then gas turbine propulsion system will be comparable − also economically (regarding specific fuel oil consumption cost)  − with that of diesel engine. It would be even more favourable in a combine gas turbine Isteam turbine system, especially at compound production of electric and heat energy (i.e. COGES systems). In the Baltic Sea zone gas turbines will find application to powering a. o. such ships as: fast car-passenger ferries, fast cargo ships, special vehicles (hydrofoils, hovercraft, motor yachts).