Bakker Sliedrecht will supply an innovative electric DC-grid, plug-in hybrid power plant for Jan De Nul Group’s first plug-in hybrid, 2000-m3 trailing suction hopper dredger. The vessel has recently been ordered at Goa Shipyard Limited in India.
Along with delivering all the electrical hardware, including generators, electric motors, frequency drives, the main switchboard, and the battery system, Bakker Sliedrecht will also provide the automation system to ensure efficient control of the power plant.
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Power management and batteries
The in-house developed direct current (DC) power management system optimises the balance in power supply from the generators and battery system during all vessel operations. It also includes functionalities such as spinning reserve, peak shaving and ramp rate control.
The electrical system is designed to meet Jan De Nul’s goals to limit emissions and noise level as much as possible. It is one of many initiatives in support of their ambition to reduce the company’s greenhouse emissions with forty per cent by 2035, in line with the Paris Agreements.
By using a battery system that can be charged by the vessel’s generator sets or through a shore power connection, the vessel’s fuel efficiency is significantly improved.
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DC-grid
‘Chosing a DC-grid configuration for this vessel, provides several important benefits,’ explains Marcel Bakker, sales and proposal manager at Bakker Sliedrecht. ‘A forty per cent space and weight saving compared to an AC-grid is particularly beneficial for payload built vessels like this trailing suction hopper dredger. In addition, with the Bakker Sliedrecht DC-grid design, electric losses are considerably lower, which makes a DC-grid power plant more fuel efficient. Finally, as the system requires less components, reliability of the system increases, while capex and opex are lower.’
Tom Maes, manager electrical and automation department at Jan De Nul: ‘It is a compact hopper dredger with remarkable capabilities. Engineered for superior performance in smaller harbours, this vessel delivers exceptional agility and flexibility. In line with our commitment to sustainability, it features a state-of-the-art DC hybrid plug-in system, dramatically reducing carbon emissions. This innovation strengthens the versatility of our fleet and reinforces our dedication to driving a sustainable, electrified future.’
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Electrical power plants are key for reducing emissions
Following the recent successful delivery of a comparable DC-electric power plant combined with a battery system for another trailing suction hopper dredger, Bakker Sliedrecht is delighted to be recognised for its expertise in this field by a company like Jan De Nul.
Wim Verlek, account manager for Jan De Nul: ‘To meet Jan De Nul’s own ambition towards zero emissions and to address the challenge the dredging industry is facing to meet emission reduction goals set by the International Maritime Organization, this type of advanced electrical power plant is instrumental to meeting these goals.’
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