Growing Fleet of Low-Emission Cruise Ships

Now it is sister ship AIDAcosma’s turn to carry up to 6,600 passengers across the sea to the sights of the Mediterranean’s coastal towns while keeping emissions low. Nearly identical in structure to the AIDAnova, the AIDAcosma also uses LNG as fuel. The gas is being stored in special tanks and serves as an emission-reduced and economical source of energy enabling the cruise ship giant, which boasts a length of 337 meters and a width of 42 meters, to navigate the waters.

A fuel cell which generates electrical and thermal energy is another novelty. Heat recovery, ship automation and innovative electric motors were selected during development and design process to create even higher energy efficiency. For the very first time, state-of-the-art Caterpillar engines can be started up directly with LNG, reducing fine particulates, sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions starting at the port.

KNF diaphragm pumps also carry out the continuous gas leak tests required for LNG-powered ships by drawing air from the clearance between the two walls of the jacketed LNG pipe and transferring it to sensor equipped analysis unit.

A gas control system from GenSys enables safe combustion at a predetermined rate. The comprised GenSys safety modules are each fitted with two KNF N 0150.1.2 diaphragm pumps, one of which is redundant so that operation will continue if one module fails. Both the internal and the engine explosion protection of the gas sampling pump meet ATEX requirements. In addition, the aluminum pump head parts are anodized to protect against the corrosive effect of the sea air.

The pump motor and pump head components that come into contact with the medium meet the requirements of ship classification societies.   

AIDAcosma is to “set sail” for the first time in 2022.