---

DNV's Lars Petter Blikom, Segment Director for liquefied natural gas (LNG), has said that LNG/battery hybrids are set to be the 'next big thing' in ship propulsion.

Blikom said that the shipping industry has now realized that LNG is a viable and available option as a marine fuel and that it was positive to see the battery also being introduced in ships' propulsion systems.

According to the LNG specialist, 22 LNG-fuelled ships are now in operation, 23 more on order, plus a range of concept studies and designed ships 'more or less close to being ordered'.

Commenting on the benefits of adding a battery pack to an LNG set-up, Blikom said: "Diesel- and gas-electric propulsion arrangements have become quite typical for many ship types. In such set-ups you have a couple of engines or more, a gearbox, an electricity generator, and electromotors driving the propeller(s). By adding a battery pack to this set-up you’ll get several clear benefits."

A list of the advantages highlighted by Blikom have been provided below:

* Instant load response: The battery pack supplies power immediately upon request.

* Optimal engine loads: Large and frequent variations in load are avoided and engines can run on optimal load levels.

* Improved economics: Optimal loads means less fuel consumption.

* Improved environmental performance: Less fuel consumption means less emissions

* Reduced opex: Optimal engine load levels means less wear and tear means less maintenance.

Blikom said that DNV was already working on research projects and concept studies related to LNG/battery hybrids, adding that he looked forward to being able to quantify the benefits highlighted above in the near future.