92 FEATURE The evolution of the engine room Modern engine rooms do far more than house propulsion and mechanical systems, and they are more complex than ever. Lindsay James speaks with leading naval architects to find out more Not so long ago, a passenger ship’s engine room was noisy, dirty and chaotic. Controls were largely manual and there was a relentless need for hands-on maintenance. Today, all of that has changed. Step inside a modern engine room and you’ll be met with a clean, high-tech and meticulously organised space. Hybrid propulsion systems deliver quieter power, while digital displays track hundreds of sensors in real time. Automated controls are now capable of managing everything from propulsion control and fuel handling to emergency shutdowns. One of the biggest drivers of this transformation is the push for greater sustainability. “Probably the biggest trend is the increasing requirements for environmental performance,” says Mia Elg, research and development manager at Finland-based ship design company Deltamarin. “That means introducing alternative fuels to vessels.” Fully electric systems and battery hybrid machinery are becoming increasingly popular for ro-pax ferries, according to Juuso Reunamo, Deltamarin’s machinery and alternative fuel expert. “Shore power has also been introduced to many vessels due to upcoming European Union regulations. The FuelEU Maritime regulations, for example, consider shore power to be zero carbon. This makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to decarbonise a ship.” But an increasing focus on environmental sustainability also brings growing compliance requirements. “Recent MARPOL regulations to reduce ship pollution have required large and complex new equipment such as ballast water treatment systems and engine exhaust scrubbers and reactors to be fitted,” says Ken Goh, general manager at Danish naval architect firm KNUD E. HANSEN. “Increased fuel efficiency through the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) has led to increasing use of hybrid propulsion systems, shaft generators and increasingly complex energy recovery systems.” “ The biggest trend is the increasing requirements for environmental performance” Mia Elg, Deltamarin Modern engine rooms are high-tech and meticulously organised spaces Photo: KNUD E HANSEN
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