“Smokeless” Gas Turbine Cruise Ship

Celebrity Cruises has been honored by Lloyd’s List for building the world’s first smokeless gas turbine-powered cruise ship during Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM) International Trade Fair in Hamburg, Germany. The SMM Awards recognize cutting-edge marine technology and ingenuity that improve performance, reduce costs, and protect the environment. Of the 13 awards presented for excellence and innovation in merchant shipbuilding, merchant marine technology and machinery, and naval shipbuilding and marine technology - Celebrity’s Millennium was the winner in the Innovation in Shipbuilding – Passenger Ship category.

Millennium was recognized for being the world’s first cruise ship to incorporate smokeless gas-turbine engines. The smokeless gas-turbine engines burn a cleaner fuel than traditional diesel, and significantly reduce air emissions by more than 90 percent. Millennium was build by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, and delivered to Celebrity in June 2000. The vessel is powered by a General Electric LM2500+-based COmbined Gas turbine and steam turbine integrated Electric drive System (COGES). COGES arrangement is energy efficient. Energy, that otherwise would be lost, in the exhaust from the two LM2500+ gas turbines is captured to produce steam from an exhaust gas boiler for the steam turbine. This gas turbine-based system powers electric motors that move the ship through the water. The COGES configuration also provides for all on-board power needs. Gas turbines cut nitrous oxide emissions by up to 80 percent and sulfur oxide emissions by up to 98 percent. The engines also reduce noise and vibration, offering guests the ultimate in cruising comfort.