DIESEL-ELECTRIC PROPULSION: THE BEST SYSTEM FOR CRUISE SHIPS

The special requirements of cruise ship propulsion systems are first discussed. The features of conventional direct-drive propulsion systems are next reviewed, after which a proposed diesel-electric propulsion system is described. The advantages of the diesel- electric system are then discussed. They include the ability to use fixed-pitch instead of controllable-pitch propellers; the elimination of auxiliary diesel generators, reduction gears, step-up gears and clutches; less noise and vibration; improved machine layout and space savings; high flexibility; greater reliability and lower maintenance costs; and excellent fuel consumption performance.