River Cruise Vessel Crystal Bach with the technology of E-MS

Of the four luxury river cruise vessels that Crystal Cruises Inc., Los Angeles, has ordered from MV Weften Wismar AG, the „Crystal Bach“ has been successfully handed over to the US shipping company Crystal River Cruises. E-MS, e-powered marine solutions GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg, developed the entire power generation and distribution technology, including the electric hybrid drive of these 6-star ships, and worked out the necessary plans for the production of the switchgear.

The four identical ships are 135 meters long and 11.4 meters wide and are equipped with diesel-electric propulsion systems with two on-board units in a bow and a stern engine room. Fast-running diesel engines were selected for the generator drive. The ship’s propulsion system consists of four side-by-side steering propellers, as well as a pump jet as a maneuvering aid and emergency drive. With the technology of E-MS the generators don`t have to be synchronized. They supply the consumers with power via a converter and a DC Bus system. This saves fuel and protects the environment.

After successfully operating the E-PP technology on about 50 river cruise vessels of Viking River Cruises, which are in service since 2009, the application on the ships of Crystal Cruises is the next milestone for E-MS. Compared to the solution on other river cruise vessels, the generators on the Crystal Cruise Ships operate with two maximum speeds, in normal operation with 1500 min-1 and with increased energy demand with 1800 min-1. This means that around 100 kW are additionally available for each unit.