MAN Energy Solutions has successfully completed a retrofit project on the cruise ship 'Ambience' owned by Ambassador Cruise lines and managed by Bernhard Schulte Cruise Services. The retrofit involved the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems and the replacement of turbochargers on two of the ship's MAN 8L58/64 engines with modern MAN TCA 66 units.
The decision to undertake this retrofit project was to operate the vessel in the Norwegian Heritage Fjord, which imposes stringent Tier III emission standards. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III standards are designed to enhance air quality and protect public health by regulating ship emissions, particularly nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
By implementing advanced technologies and meeting rigorous emission standards, the Ambience now represents a greener and more environmentally responsible option for cruise travel, ensuring a positive impact on both air quality and the natural surroundings of the Norwegian Heritage Fjord market.
Olaf Gunia, Head of PrimeServ Hamburg, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "This retrofit truly establishes Ambassador's commitment to sustainability within the cruise industry, and the SCR solution has proven to be highly effective, achieving a remarkable NOx removal rate of 93%. We are increasingly receiving similar requests from cruise and ferry operators who aspire to adopt sustainable practices even without mandatory industry regulations."
Bernd Siebert, Head of Retrofits & Upgrades at MAN PrimeServ, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the project, including the extended period of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the tight project timeline. Nevertheless, the retrofit work on the Ambience successfully optimized the coordination between the newly installed SCR system, turbochargers, and engines. As a result, the vessel now complies with Tier III standards and is fully equipped to operate in one of the world's most pristine natural environments.
MAN's SCR system is recognized as the most environmentally friendly solution available, characterized by its high operational readiness and safety. Notably, the SCR system can operate effectively even at just 15% engine load, ensuring clean performance during slow-sailing in fjords, near ports, and populated areas. The fully integrated SCR solution on the Ambience incorporates a closed-loop system and a weather station that utilizes environmental data to maximize NOx reduction and minimize ammonia-slip to an impressive 10 ppm, comparable to that of a car. The low ammonia-slip not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also enables a smaller urea tank size by minimizing urea consumption.
