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MAN Diesel & Turbo has won an order to install a complete propulsion package on a chemical tanker. It is MAN's first order to feature its HyProp ECO system, which is described by the power systems company as being "an innovative, fuel-saving, hybrid propulsion solution" that is said to act as a cost- and fuel-efficient alternative to classic, diesel-mechanical propulsion systems, providing "higher flexibility and performance".

The system is to be employed aboard a 7,500-deadweight-tonne (dwt) stainless steel chemical tanker ordered and operated by Turkish firm ICDAS Celik Enerji Tersane ve Ulasim Sanayi AS.

The propulsion package also features a MAN 6L32/44CR common-rail main engine, a MAN Alpha Kappel propeller and a MAN SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system capable of operating on marine gas oil (MGO), marine diesel oil (MDO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO). The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in September 2017.

HyProp ECO combines a diesel engine with a frequency-converter-driven shaft-alternator/motor and features multiple operational modes. Jointly developed by Vacon and MAN Diesel & Turbo, the system combines the advantages of a bi-directional operating frequency converter for the shaft machine with a high-efficiency controllable pitch propeller plant. HyProp ECO is also open for shore connection and the integration of energy storage devices or batteries.

MAN says HyProp ECO's major advantage is that it enables the use of frequency converters of just 30% of the installed alternator/motor power up to full power take-off (PTO) power, according the ship's individual demand. This solution enables the propeller, as well as the main engine, to run on variable speed (combinator curve) at slow ship speeds and still use the PTO as the most economic source of electric-power generation on board. As a bypass around the converter unit is installed, the system suffers no electrical losses when the converter is not in operation, MAN says.

Another advantage, according to MAN, is that the total installed GenSet power can be kept low as the HyProp converter allows a smooth start of the shaft machine in PTH-mode without a big voltage drop at the main switchboard. The result, MAN says, is a flexible and powerful system with low first costs, compared to a conventional-frequency converter solution.

MAN explained: "Operating the propeller as well as the diesel engine with reduced speed saves fuel oil." It added: "Reduced speed saves a significant amount of propulsion power as well as fuel oil and emissions when the ship is sailing at slower speeds."

Lex Nijsen, Head of Four-Stroke Marine, MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: "For many applications, a hybrid propulsion system is a good choice, especially when flexibility, performance and efficiency are prized. In a challenging market, we are embracing innovative technology as a means to grow. HyProp ECO is a flexible and powerful system with low first costs that offers a real alternative to a purely mechanical propulsion solution, while maintaining its benefits. We are proud that ICDAS chose our high-efficiency technology package for their newbuilding."