Marine Gas Turbine Propulsion System Applications

Abstract

Within the marine world gas turbines operate in niche ship types only, but why is this? This paper considers the ship types that have adopted marine gas turbines and the ship characteristics that determine the choice of the propulsion system and prime mover type. Ship determined characteristics include; speed, power density, general arrangements, operating profile, fuel type, fuel consumption, maintenance opportunity, manpower and others. Gas turbine characteristics derived from their parentage — either aero or industrial — influence the characteristics available from the marine gas turbine. Historical marine applications are reviewed and new marine applications, influenced by developments with new marine gas turbines are considered both in the developed but evolving naval markets and within the growing but focused commercial marine sector. Propulsion system selection is also influenced by the prevailing and emerging propulsion system technologies, particularly with transmission systems which influence the choice of the prime mover, their number and specific power, and their disposition in the ship.