Regan Brown
The use of diesel fuel in ships is a common practice, with most modern ships employing reciprocating diesel engines as their prime mover due to their simplicity, robustness, and fuel economy. Diesel engines have been used in the maritime industry since the 20th century, with the diesel electric rivertanker Vandal being the first to utilise a diesel engine in 1903. These engines offer greater efficiency than steam turbines, and the development of turbocharging has further increased their power densities. While diesel is a popular choice, other fuels such as heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas oil (MGO) are also used, with some ships exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce emissions and improve cost efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can ships use diesel fuel? | Yes, most modern ships use diesel engines as their prime mover. |
| Why do ships use diesel fuel? | Diesel engines offer operating simplicity, robustness, and fuel economy compared to other prime mover mechanisms. |
| What type of diesel fuel do ships use? | Marine diesel oil (MDO) or marine gas oil (MGO). |
| Is diesel fuel commonly used in the maritime industry? | Yes, it is currently the most commonly used type of fuel for larger commercial ocean-going vessels. |
| Are there any alternatives to diesel fuel for ships? | Yes, some ships use heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gas oil (MGO), or liquefied natural gas (LNG). There is also investment in hydrogen fuel technology and battery-electric propulsion. |
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What You'll Learn
Most modern ships use diesel engines
There are several types of diesel engines used in modern ships, including slow-speed, two-stroke, crosshead engines, and medium-speed, four-stroke, trunk engines. The choice between these types depends on the size and requirements of the ship. Slow-speed two-stroke engines are taller, while medium-speed four-stroke engines have a larger footprint. As space above the waterline is crucial in passenger ships and ferries, these ships often use multiple medium-speed engines, resulting in a longer, lower engine room.
The diesel engines in modern ships are typically coupled to the propeller directly or through a reduction gearbox, depending on the engine speed. In diesel-electric vessels, the crankshaft is connected to an alternator and electric motor, providing flexibility in propulsion options. The use of multiple engines also offers redundancy in case of mechanical failure and allows for more efficient operation over a wider range of conditions.
The adoption of diesel engines in the early 20th century was driven by their superior fuel economy and robustness compared to other prime mover mechanisms. Their simplicity and ease of use were also significant factors in their widespread adoption. Today, diesel engines continue to be the preferred choice for marine propulsion due to their reliability, efficiency, and power.
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Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient
Diesel engines are particularly efficient for highway driving. According to a study by The Motley Fool, diesel engines were 29% more efficient on the highway and 24% more efficient in the city. However, the break-even point for a diesel vehicle changes depending on the percentage of city versus highway miles driven. Drivers who travel less than 10,000 miles per year will be unable to limit their fuel costs enough for a diesel engine to make financial sense unless they rarely drive in the city.
Diesel engines also have higher torque, which results in better fuel economy and more impressive acceleration. This makes them well-suited for hauling heavy loads or towing. However, petrol engines typically deliver higher horsepower, resulting in faster acceleration and a more responsive driving experience.
While diesel fuel is generally more fuel-efficient, some types of diesel fuel can negatively impact vehicle performance, such as black diesel, biodiesel, and other enhanced diesel products. Additionally, diesel engines often have higher purchase prices and maintenance costs due to the complexity of the engines.
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Ships may use gas turbines for higher speeds
Gas turbines are often used on ships, and they are particularly well-suited to naval vessels where sudden and rapid changes of speed are required. For example, the Danish Navy used gas turbines in their torpedo boats and missile boats, allowing for greater acceleration and the ability to get underway quickly. The Royal Navy and other naval fleets have also used gas turbines in their warships for similar reasons.
Gas turbines offer a high-powered engine in a very small and light package, which is ideal when higher speeds are required. They have a higher power-to-weight ratio than piston engines, which is less critical for ships than for aircraft but still important. Additionally, gas turbines have a simpler construction with fewer moving parts, making them more reliable and easier to maintain.
However, the commercial shipping industry has generally avoided using gas turbines for primary propulsion and onboard electric power needs, opting instead for reciprocating engines that burn low-grade fuel. This is partly due to the higher responsiveness and efficiency of piston engines at low speeds and outputs, as well as the familiarity of ships' crews with these engines.
Nevertheless, there is growing interest in using gas turbines for commercial shipping as emissions rules and standards become stricter. Gas turbines provide a clean and cost-effective alternative to reciprocating engines, with lower emissions of NOx, sulfur oxides, particulates, and heavy metals. GE Vernova, for example, provides aeroderivative gas turbines for cruise ships, offering high power density, reliability, availability, and fuel flexibility.
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Diesel is a fossil fuel
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a fossil fuel. It is a liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine. Diesel engines were invented by Rudolf Diesel around 1892, and the first functional diesel engine was designed for liquid fuels.
Diesel fuel is most commonly derived from petroleum, which is a fossil fuel formed from the anaerobic decomposition of aquatic phytoplankton and zooplankton that died and sedimented in large quantities under anoxic conditions millions of years ago. This organic matter, mixed with mud, became buried under heavy layers of inorganic sediment, resulting in high temperatures and pressures that caused the matter to chemically alter into fossil fuels.
Petroleum-derived diesel, sometimes called petrodiesel, is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil. This process results in a mixture of carbon chains that typically contain between 9 and 25 carbon atoms per molecule. However, other sources of diesel fuel include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
Diesel fuel is used in various vehicles, including trucks, trains, buses, boats, and military vehicles. It is also used in diesel-engine generators to generate electricity in remote locations. In watercraft, diesel propulsion gained prevalence by the late 1970s due to increasing fuel costs, and cheap heavy fuel oils are still used in diesel-powered and steam-powered vessels.
The use of diesel fuel has environmental implications. Diesel exhaust, especially from older engines, can cause health damage, and sulfur in diesel fuel contributes to air pollution emissions that are harmful to human health. Efforts have been made to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel, and ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is now commonly used in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America, and the United States.
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Diesel fuel is high-quality
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel specifically designed for use in a diesel engine, which is a multifuel engine that can run on a wide range of fuels. The development of high-performance, high-speed diesel engines for cars and lorries in the 1930s led to the creation of diesel fuel, which is standardised to ensure consistent quality. Diesel fuel is produced from various sources, the most common being petroleum, which is obtained through the fractional distillation of crude oil.
Diesel fuel is considered high-quality due to its performance characteristics and the standardisation that ensures its consistency. The quality of diesel fuel directly relates to its performance, with higher-quality fuel igniting quicker and burning more thoroughly, resulting in better engine performance. The main way to measure diesel fuel quality is through the cetane number, which indicates the fuel's ignition quality. A higher cetane number means the fuel ignites more easily and burns more efficiently.
Standardisation of diesel fuel involves defining certain properties such as cetane number, density, flashpoint, sulphur content, and biodiesel content. These standards ensure that diesel fuel meets the requirements for high-performance engines and help maintain its quality over time. The first diesel fuel standards were introduced after World War II, including the DIN 51601, VTL 9140-001, and NATO F 54 standards.
The quality of diesel fuel is crucial as it is an essential energy source in the transportation and industrial sectors worldwide. High-quality diesel fuel is necessary for operating generators, vehicles, and other equipment effectively. Contaminants, such as water and other impurities, can degrade the performance and quality of diesel fuel over time. Proper storage methods and the use of additives can help preserve diesel fuel quality and maintain its high performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most modern ships use diesel engines as their prime mover. Diesel is also used for cruising in ships that have gas turbines for higher speeds.
Marine diesel oil (MDO) is a type of fuel used by ships. It is made from leftover fuel from refineries and their residues.
Ships can also use heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gas oil (MGO), or liquid natural gas (LNG).
