OREANDA-NEWS. Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry with continual investment by owners in building larger ships that feature more advanced technologies for an unforgettable vacation experience.

Building on its extensive expertise, GE (NYSE: GE) has been a reliable partner of choice for many years in the cruise industry. Today, at Seatrade Cruise Global 2016, GE’s Marine Solutions business will showcase how its latest technologies are helping future cruise ships to be safer, cleaner and more efficient.

Long-term partner for cruise liners

“GE is dedicated to delivering innovative technical solutions to drive the cruise industry forward. Our long track record with major cruise lines underlines our strong position as a strategic partner for our customers,” said Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions.

Most recently, GE was chosen to provide upgrade services to three cruise vessels owned by the Carnival group. Vessels’ propulsion systems are expected to have an extended life, allowing the vessels to continue operation past the original control system’s serviceable date. GE’s strong field expertise and capability to meet our customers’ tough requirements have sustained this valued relationship with the Carnival Corporation for more than 10 years.

“We understand the importance of providing fast support to our customers whenever and wherever needed. With more than 200 service engineers, we continue to strengthen our global service network and infrastructure to ensure cruise passengers have an uninterrupted and pleasant journey,” added Schweikert.

Gas turbines are back

The continuous trend of tightened emissions regulations has brought gas turbines back into the spotlight. Currently, GE marine gas turbines operate aboard 17 cruise ships in various configurations. 

By using GE’s combined gas turbine electric and steam (COGES) system, cruise ships can meet IMO Tier III and United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 standards without the need for exhaust after treatment. The COGES system produces low emissions and can operate on either marine gas oil (MGO) or natural gas fuels. This reliable, lightweight and compact system also can meet a wide range of propulsion and ship service power needs and provide steam for shipboard processes.

The smaller footprint of a COGES-powered ship can enable it to carry more cargo or passengers and to help cruise operators yield extra revenue. Gas turbines are fuel flexible, operating on various fuels including LNG, MGO, biodiesel, bio-synthetic paraffinic kerosene blends and natural gas. No liquid pilot fuel is required, and the engines can seamlessly respond to rapidly changing load demands in either mode of operation with no methane slip.

Digital cruise era

The use of digital technologies can enable cruise operators to make more informed decisions and provide the opportunity to help increase a vessel’s operational efficiency.

For cruise vessels, fuel efficiency is crucial, especially in some cases where fuel costs account for 40 percent of total operational costs. Software analytics tools can provide the ability to inform propulsion levels based on weather conditions and therefore, help optimize fuel usage.

Driven by data, GE’s SeaStream* Insight, powered by Predix*, can predict potential failure of a part before it strikes. The operator is then informed to reduce the level of engagement of the part, allowing corrective action to be taken. The asset performance management and condition monitoring enables a shift from planned to condition-based maintenance and can help to extend maintenance cycles and increase uninterrupted journeys for cruise passengers.

From propulsion systems to digital solutions, GE is enabling a safer, cleaner and more efficient future for the cruise industry.

* Indicates a trademark of the General Electric Company and/or its subsidiaries.

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry.