MILLENNIUM’s Propulsion System

Millennium cruise ship, powered by two GE LM2500+ aeroderivative gas turbines, is the world’s first cruise ship to use a COmbined Gas turbine and steam turbine integrated Electric drive System (COGES) configuration. A COGES configuration is a very efficient use of energy: Energy that otherwise would be lost in the exhaust from the gas turbines is captured to produce steam from boilers for the steam turbines. The gas turbine-based system powers electric motors that move the ship through the water and also provides for all on-board power requirements.

The LM2500+ is GE's newest aeroderivative gas turbine. Based on the design of the GE LM2500, this machine delivers up to 25% more power at a simple-cycle thermal efficiency in excess of 39%. It is designed to achieve reliability equal to the precedent setting reliability, 99.6%, of the LM2500. Its high efficiency, reliability, and installation flexibility make it ideal for a wide variety of marine power generation and mechanical drive applications.

The engineering, gas turbine packaging and system integration for COGES was handled by S&S Energy Products, a GE Power Systems business and a GE Marine Engines Marine Systems Supplier. Three additional Millennium-class cruise ships being built for Celebrity Cruises, as well as four Vantage-class ships being built for sister cruise brand, Royal Caribbean International, will use LM2500+ gas turbine-generator sets for main propulsion and onboard power.