Propulsion forces enable ships to steer themselves across the water. There were only a few distinct types of ship propulsion systems in the past, but today, a vessel can be fitted with a range of modern ones. Let us discuss briefly about different marine propulsion systems that are available these days.
- Diesel Propulsion
Today, diesel propulsion is one of the most common systems used and it also offers a much greater efficiency as compared to the steam turbine.
- Wind Propulsion
Alternatives to technologies that release significant amounts of CO2 into the marine atmosphere include wind propulsion. However, due to the requirement for continual windiness, wind turbine marine propulsion is seldom utilised in large commercial ships.
- Nuclear Propulsion
Numerous propulsion techniques that use nuclear reaction as their main power source are referred to as nuclear propulsion. It might have the greatest promise in terms of fuel efficiency and performance.
- Gas Turbine Propulsion
Gas turbine systems are mostly employed in naval ships when speed is essential. Other types of engines are frequently employed in conjunction with gas turbines.
- Fuel Cell Propulsion
Another form of maritime propulsion system uses electricity via batteries and fuel cells.
Compared to conventional combustion engines, fuel cells convert fuel more effectively, lowering pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Biodiesel Fuel Propulsion
A proposed maritime propulsion system for the future is biodiesel propulsion. The viability of this propulsion technology, which is anticipated to be fully operational by the year 2017, is now being tested.
- Solar Propulsion
In order to lessen hazardous emissions and fuel consumption, these “hybrid powered” ships will use wind and solar power in addition to the ship’s primary engines as a source of energy and propulsion.
- Steam Turbine Propulsion
Between 1800 and 1950, steam turbine propulsion was predominantly employed, and coal or another fuel source that produces steam was used. Steam turbine utilisation dropped as diesel engines and gas turbines were developed.
- Diesel-Electric Propulsion
Systems for diesel-electric ship propulsion pair a diesel motor with a generator that generates electricity. The innovation dates back to the turn of the 20th century.
The diesel-electric propulsion technology is being used by merchant ships and submarines to propel themselves.
- Water-Jet Propulsion
Since 1954, water-jet propulsion has been in use. The fact that water-jet propulsion doesn’t pollute the environment and gives ships a high speed is its most significant benefit.
- Gas fuel or Tri Fuel Propulsion
After making certain modifications to the propulsion engine to lower emissions from the ship, LNG fuel is now used to be burned in the main engine. Because it can burn gasoline, diesel, and heavy fuel, it is referred to as tri-fuel.
The marine business is always changing. Heavy fuel oil (HFO) has dominated the marine environment since the 1960s. However, a change was required due to its negative effects on the environment and public health.
As a result, it is necessary to diversify the sector and move away from HFO in favour of safer fuels with better impacts on both the environment and human health.
