Conceptual Designs for the Conversion of the U.S. Great Lakes Steam Bulk Carriers to LNG Fueled Propulsion Annual Report Michael G. Parsons Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus Professor Emeritus of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Phone: 734-945-2886; FAX: 734-936-8820; e-mail
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[email protected] Richard W. Harkins Harkins Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC Phone: 440-364-4665; e-mail goblue1011@sbcglobal November 7, 2012 Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering University of Michigan 2600 Draper Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2145 This report represents the results of research conducted by the authors and does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute. This report does not contain a standard or specified technique. The authors and the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute do not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers’ names appear herein solely because they are considered essential to this report. Research funded in part by the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute. This study was supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, Cooperative Agreement #DTMA1H11002. 1 This project is investigating the feasibility of conversion of the approximately 10 remaining steam powered U.S. Great Lakes bulk carriers to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fueled propulsion. These vessels have the worst air emissions within the U.S. bulk carrier fleet and are currently grandfathered relative to EPA requirements. The goal of this research is to develop conceptual designs for the conversion of these vessels to LNG fuel using gas engines to achieve very low emissions and significantly reduced fuel consumption and cost.