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Mr Claussen: “Demands of society for more sustainability are continuously rising. For the customer to contribute to a healthier environment and at the same time to improve business it is necessary to take a holistic approach to the ship. The entire vessel architecture needs to be considered – automation, electrical systems, communication/navigation, HVAC, shore connections, lighting – in other words the complete ship needs to be thoroughly analyzed and designed to achieve maximum benefits. Imtech Marine has already ‘surveyed’ many state of the art ship concepts and calculated that savings of up to 60% can be made in electrical energy, depending on the size, ship type and chosen energy saving solution. Due to the application of the latest simulation tools we are able to model and to assess any complex system architecture very rapidly. Our customers will get an optimized solution even before entering the detailed design phase. This efficient first time right approach reduces cost and contributes to concept maturity and finally to lower lifecycle costs overall. Investment pay back times can be very short –sometimes within less than two years – and they can save depending on the solution from thousands of Euros to an incredible one million Euros a year.” Simulation of multi-disciplinary systems The new centre is able to offer a broad range of services including green technology consulting applied to holistic ship architectures and the optimization of the overall ship performance regarding energy efficiency and emissions. The modeling and the simulation of multi-disciplinary systems with Dymola/Modellica and/or Matlab/Simulink can be carried out as well as overall project management if the customer wishes. Often green initiatives are driven by regulations. And naturally the Imtech experts can advise customers on the current and future environmental rules and regulations, ensuring that any green solution is compliant to future requirements. Crucially, Imtech Marine’s strategy is focused on helping its customers lower the TCO (total cost of ownership) of their ships. Imtech Marine Managing Director, Eric van den Adel, says: “Imtech assumes responsibility for the consequences of its activities and decisions for people, the environment and society, and is prepared to give account. Green can sometimes be a bit of a buzzword but in the maritime industry we need to do more to contribute to cutting down on emissions.” One of the strategic priorities of Imtech Marine is to develop innovative green ship concepts. Vitally, green initiatives must be business driven. “We want our customers to improve their businesses and at the same time, they will achieve a more environmentally friendly operation. Customers can save money by, for instance, using fuel saving technology and by the use of automation. Owners then become greener, but also more cost efficient which is the best of both worlds.” A recent example is an innovative project which is the subject of worldwide attention: Imtech Marine is supplying a hybrid propulsion system to the first ever diesel electric, hybrid seagoing ferries. The system consists of diesel electric in combination with battery technology. The fuel savings involved are certainly impressive. According to prediction calculations following model tests, the vessels will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by at least 20%. Profile Imtech Marine Imtech Marine (headquarters in Rotterdam) is a leading company in the global maritime market, operating as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative and sustainable technology solutions covering the whole ship. Imtech Marine specialises in automation (platform and bridge), navigation & communication including connectivity, energy and drive solutions, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) solutions and fire protection technology, entertainment, lighting and maritime services. Imtech Marine provides innovative systems and reliable services during the full lifetime of the ship. With an annual revenue of more than €500 million in 2011, Imtech Marine employs more than 2,600 staff in 90+services centres in 26 countries based along major shipping routes and close to shipbuilding centres. IMTECH press release |
Imtech Marine starts Competence Centre Green Ships