How Big Is a Cruise Ship Engine?

Cruise ship engines are enormous, moving these massive ships across the sea. They use a lot of fuel – up to 250 tons a day. This is the same as 80,000 gallons every day. The marine diesel engines power the ship’s propulsion systems, carrying thousands to far-off places.

Modern ships have five to six engines, each between nine and fifteen megawatts. For example, the biggest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, has six big diesel sets. These machines can produce up to 50,000 horsepower. That’s enough to power a small city.

While older ships might still use diesel engines, new ships use gas turbines or diesel-electric engines. These newer engines are more efficient and lessen their environmental impact. This lets cruise ships travel worldwide without using too much fuel.

Key Takeaways:

• Larger cruise ships can consume up to 250 tons of fuel daily, equivalent to 80,000 gallons
• Modern cruise ships have between five and six engines, each with a power rating of 9-15 megawatts
• The largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, uses six marine diesel sets composed of three 16-cylinder Wartsila engines
• Cruise ship engines can consume power up to 50,000 horsepower, roughly equivalent to 37,300 kilowatts
• Modern cruise ships employ advanced technologies such as gas turbines or diesel-electric engines for enhanced efficiency and performance

Introduction to Cruise Ship Engines

Cruise ship engines are the heart of these incredible ships. They make it possible for ships to travel across the seas, and passengers enjoy a smooth and fun ride thanks to these engines. These engines are marvels in their own right. They generate tremendous power and keep the ship running right. There are many types of cruise ship engines, each with its benefits.

Diesel engines, gas turbines, and diesel-electric engines are commonly found on cruise ships. Diesel engines are the oldest choice, offering a solid and efficient way to move the ship. But, with stricter rules about pollution, many ships are looking for cleaner options.

Gas turbine engines are becoming more popular. They are more efficient and produce fewer harmful gases than diesel engines. They work by compressing air and using it in a combustion chamber to create power to drive the ship forward.

Diesel-electric engines are a mix of both diesel and electricity. They turn diesel power into electricity. This electricity then drives the ship’s propellers. This setup helps in using fuel better. It also makes it easier to power everything on the ship.

About 85% of the power in a diesel-electric system moves the ship, while the other 15% powers the ship’s various needs.

Choosing the right engine is vital for performance and the environment. Many cruise lines now go for engines that are better for the planet. ABB’s Azipod system, for example, can cut down on fuel use and pollution by 20%.

Propulsion System	Fuel Efficiency	Emission Control
Diesel Engines	Moderate	Impacted by sulfur cap regulations
Gas Turbine Engines	High	Lower emissions compared to diesel
Diesel-Electric Engines	High	Flexibility in power distribution
LNG-Powered Engines	Very High	Significantly reduced emissions

As interest in sustainable travel grows, cruise engines are changing too. New ships often use LNG for power because it’s better for the environment. These new technologies help cruise ships step towards cleaner seas.

Keeping the engines running well is very important. Cruise ship engine rooms are big and complex, including many parts, such as the main engines, generators, and cooling systems.

Next, we’ll examine cruise ship engines. We’ll discuss the different types, how much fuel they use, and their environmental impact. We’ll also discuss how cruise lines are making their ships more efficient and eco-friendly.

Types of Cruise Ship Engines

Cruise ships depend on strong engines to sail the vast seas, creating a comfortable journey for everyone on board. They use different engines like diesel, gas turbine, and diesel-electric to best fit the ship and its route. In this guide, we’ll look at these three main engine types used in modern cruise ships.

Diesel Engines

Traditionally, cruise ships employ diesel engines for power. These engines burn diesel fuel to move the ship. They are popular because they are reliable and efficient. For example, ships like the Cunard QE2 use up to 380 tons of fuel daily to travel at high speeds, proving the strength of diesel engines.

Gas Turbine Engines

Gas turbine engines are a newer choice in cruise ship technology. They turn heat into power by heating air and using it to create electricity, making them cleaner than diesel engines. Royal Caribbean was the pioneer in using gas turbines, focused on a more environmentally friendly approach for its ships.

Diesel-Electric Engines

Diesel-electric engines are a mix of diesel and electric power. Diesel engines make electricity that then powers the ship’s electric motors. This mix is known for flexibility and efficiency. About 85% of this power goes to moving the ship, while the rest powers its areas through long cables.

Choosing an engine type for a cruise ship depends on many things, including ship size and the route. With time, we will see more improvements in the propulsion system. The goal is to increase efficiency, cut down on emissions, and make the whole journey special for travelers.

LNG-Powered Engines

LNG-powered engines use liquefied natural gas as fuel, which is known for its lower emissions compared to traditional fuels. LNG is stored in special tanks on the ship and then used to generate power through combustion. This technology helps reduce air pollution and contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly cruising experience.

Cruise Ship Engine Size and Power

Cruise ship engines push these giant vessels across the seas. Some are as big as a basketball court. Their size and power are unique, delivering a smooth ride for everyone aboard.

Engine Dimensions

The size of a cruise ship’s engine depends on its class. For example, the Wärtsilä RT-flex96C engine is 44 feet tall and 87 feet long. It weighs as much as 2,300 tons, showing off amazing engineering skills.

Horsepower and Power Output

A cruise ship requires a lot of horsepower to move. A typical ship has four to six engines, each producing 9 to 15 MW power. This is a lot of power needed for such large ships.

Now, let’s see how the biggest cruise ships match up:

Cruise Ship	Number of Engines	Engine Type	Power Output per Engine	Total Power Output
Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)	6	Wärtsilä 16V 46D (3x) & 12V 46D (3x)	19,480 kW	116,880 kW
Oasis-class (Royal Caribbean)	6	Wärtsilä 16V 46D (3x) & 12V 46D (3x)	19,480 kW	116,880 kW
RMS Queen Mary 2 (Cunard)	4 (main) + 2 (gas turbines)	Wärtsilä 16V 46C (4x) & GE LM2500+ (2x)	16,800 kW (main) & 25,000 kW (gas turbines)	117,200 kW

The largest cruise ships can have 50,000 horsepower, which allows them to travel at up to 34.5 mph. However, they normally cruise at a slower 23 mph for comfort and fuel savings.

It’s critical to check and care for these engines regularly. This ensures a safe and comfy journey for those sailing the seas.

Fuel Consumption of Cruise Ship Engines

Cruise ships are famous for being huge and offering luxury. But, to move these ships, they need a lot of fuel. Bigger ships use more fuel than smaller ones. For example, a big ship may use 250 tons a day. This is about 80,000 gallons. In comparison, smaller ships use 150 tons daily.

The amount of fuel a ship can hold depends on its size. Big cruise ships carry up to two million gallons. On the other hand, ferries and other smaller vessels only hold about 130,000 gallons. As a fun fact, a cruise ship might burn through a gallon of fuel for every 30 to 60 feet it moves. Filling up a cruise ship takes about 110 tons of fuel every hour.

The fuel type matters for the ship’s efficiency and the environment. Typically, cruise ships use heavy fuel oil, which is not as clean as diesel cars. But due to new rules and environmental alarms, ships are turning to cleaner options. They now use marine gas, oil, low-sulfur fuels, and sometimes even LNG.

Ship Size	Daily Fuel Consumption	Fuel Capacity
Large Cruise Ships	250 tons (80,000 gallons)	Up to 2 million gallons
Smaller Cruise Ships	150 tons	Around 130,000 gallons

Cruise lines are trying to reduce the fuel they use. They’ve come up with ways like “slow steaming,” which means moving at speeds below 20 knots. This can cut down fuel use by about 20%. Also, making the ship’s body, surfaces, and propellers more efficient can save up to 8% on fuel.

The concern over cruise ship fuel and the environment has risen. As a response, the cruise industry is looking for solutions. They’re using new fuels, making their ships more efficient, and applying fuel-saving methods. This way, they aim to lower their environmental impact while giving passengers great experiences.

Location of Engines on a Cruise Ship

The heart of a cruise ship is its engine room. It’s an ample space filled with the ship’s engines and other essential machines. You’ll find it deep within the ship, near the bottom. This placement helps keep the ship stable and steady. The engine room is very big, stretching over many floors. It holds engines, fuel tanks, generators, and rooms for engine maintenance and control.

Ships like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class have six engines. Most others have four. These engines are very loud, making over 173 decibels of noise. To keep passengers comfortable, the rooms are soundproofed. The engine room is key to ensuring everything works well, like the electricity and air, during the trip.

Engine Room Layout

The engine room layout is all about saving space and working efficiently. It includes the ship’s main parts:

• Engines: They move the ship forward.
• Generators: They make electricity for the ship.
• Fuel tanks: They hold the fuel for engines and generators.
• Engine workshop: This is where machines get fixed.
• Control room: Where engineers look after the ship’s systems.

The engine room also has heat exchangers, which help cool hot gases from the engines. They lower the gas temperature from 663°F (350°C) to about 86°F (30°C) before it leaves the ship. The cool gas helps make fresh water and can even heat fuel.

Safety Considerations

Keeping the engine room safe is critical. Ships today often have two engine rooms, named forward and aft DG rooms. These rooms are separated by solid and watertight walls. If there’s a problem in one room, the other can work independently, with its own supplies.

In the engine room, there are also backup generators and batteries. They’re there to keep important ship systems running in an emergency, including lights, communication systems, and navigation. Keeping everything well maintained and following safety rules is key to avoiding accidents and keeping the ship running smoothly.

Component	Function
Engines	Primary propulsion systems that power the ship’s movement
Generators	Produce electricity to power the ship’s various systems and amenities
Fuel tanks	Store fuel required to operate engines and generators
Engine workshop	Dedicated space for maintaining and repairing ship’s machinery
Control room	Nerve center of the engine room, where engineers monitor and control mechanical systems

The engine room is like the ship’s heart. But, it can be noisy and cause some shaking. Rooms near the engine are usually smaller and don’t have windows. They might also feel more vibrations when the ship docks. Still, these rooms cost less and are a good choice for those who don’t mind some noise and movement.

Largest Cruise Ship Engines

Big cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels, have huge engines. These engines help the ships travel easily across the sea. They use powerful Wärtsilä engines, which are known for being reliable and effective.

Ships like the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have particular engines. They use six sets of three engines each. These are the 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 16V 46D type, built for top performance. There are also three 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 12V 46D engines working on these ships.

The power these engines create is awe-inspiring. Each 16V 46D engine makes 18,480 kW (24,780 hp), while the 12V 46D engines each produce 13,860 kW (18,590 hp). Altogether, the engines on these ships add up to about 97,020 kW (130,110 hp) of power.

Cruise Ship Engine Failure and Passenger Safety

Cruise ship engines are built to high standards but sometimes fail. This is why modern ships have several layers of safety measures for passengers. Thanks to the Safe Return to Port initiative, ships after 2010 can keep running even if the main engine stops. They have double engine rooms for this purpose.

Today, cruise ships feature many diesel engines, up to six in some cases, for backup. If one engine fails, the others ensure safe travel. The ships also have emergency generators to power necessary systems like navigation and communication.

Despite the rareness of engine failures on cruise ships, extensive safety measures are always in place. These include strict construction standards and regular maintenance. Cruise companies put passenger safety as their top priority, ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Should a cruise be canceled due to engine failure, passengers might get compensation per the Cruise Industry Bill of Rights:

• Full or partial refund
• Credit toward a future cruise
• Reimbursement for costs from the cancellation

Buying personal travel insurance is a good idea to protect against losses from a possible engine failure. This insurance can cover any pre-planned activities affected by a cruise cancellation.

Final Thoughts

In 2019, the Viking Sky faced engine issues that led to a remote, dangerous situation. The ship lost power near the Norwegian coast in rough waters, and nearly 500 people had to be rescued by helicopter.

After this, Viking Ocean Cruises and the Norwegian Maritime Authority took action. They made sure all sister ships were safe and issued a warning. The alert focused on properly keeping engine oils at the required levels during bad weather.

The investigation found that the ship’s fuel system might have affected the failure. The ship’s design and the amount of fuel in its tanks could have caused problems, which could lead to performance issues when crossing rough seas.

Big storms can also twist and strain a ship. This extra stress might shut down the engines. Unique situations, like unusual waves interfering with engine cooling, were also examined.

To prevent such issues, experts suggest some solutions. They recommend adding more fuel and oil tanks, using particular parts inside tanks to control fuel flow, and placing extra fuel tanks closer to engines.

This event and others show the importance of keeping cruise ship engines running. They point out the continuous need for making marine engines more secure and dependable. By learning from these events, the cruise industry promises to keep their passengers safe and happy on every trip.

Cruise Ship Engines FAQ