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what is Raffles propulsion system?

Raffles is an all electric ship with at its heart 2 totally separate (for safety) power stations, each with 4 ABC Diesel engines driving Converteam alternators to provided about 13MW, based on consuming heavy fuel (HFO). ABC and Converteam are long established and very large European industrial conglomerates.

The electricity generated can be used anywhere in Raffles but at medium voltage it drives electric motors that in turn drive four 360° propulsors, 2 main, 2 auxiliary. The 360° propulsors are from the oldest and most reputable suppliers of this type in the world, Voith – Schneider (Germany) and Gill Jet (UK).

The system means that power can be generated to match demand so that often only 1 generator maybe in operation, which is both good for Raffles economical operation and for the environment.

Only one of the smallest of the 4 x 360° propulsors can move the ship at about 2 knots, and with full power applied to all four, up to 16 knots. However normally Raffles will operate at 8 knots when it consumes only about 1/4 the fuel that it would at 16 knots.

FVH is also developing auxiliary systems to further reduce power, fuel needs + consumption, based around solar panel folding masts, hydrothermal cooling systems, kites and tethered wind generators which will be incorporated if they prove cost effective / advantageous.

Overall Raffles 15MW power / propulsion system is purpose designed to be only partially utilised in order to provide massive redundancy (and related safety of operation) but also to reduce total hours of operation for low maintenance costs and a 100 years life.