GEA : Cruise industry embraces transcritical CO2 technology

Cooling systems that use non-polluting CO₂ as an alternative refrigerant to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are already in use in the retail sector. Developing flexible CO₂ refrigeration systems that can be installed safely in the constrained, constantly moving environment of sea-going ships has up to the present been challenging. GEA harnessed more than 100 years of expertise in the design and construction of industrial refrigeration plants to develop the new transcritical CO2 technology specifically for use on ships.

The modular transcritical-type CO₂ plants operate using multiple GEA Bock compressors which are ideally suited to the high pressures of CO₂ refrigeration systems. Redundancy is built in the plant, so that failure of one or even multiple compressors will not cause the system to stop working. GEA solutions can be tailored to just about any available on-board space, and are designed to be safe, robust and reliable, however rough the voyage. Installation can be carried out while the ship is underway, without affecting continued use of the legacy system before switchover takes place.

'We are delighted to announce this major partnership for our groundbreaking transcritical CO₂ technology, with P&O Cruises,' comments Marc Prinsen, Head of Application Center Utilities Marine at GEA. 'Every sector of industry is working hard to protect the environment, and that includes saving energy, reducing emissions, and switching to natural refrigerants. As one of the world's leading technology developers and suppliers to a wide range of global industries, we recognize the key role that we can play by developing sustainable, green technologies, which can be used in challenging processes and settings. Having signed our partnership with P&O Cruises, we are also now in discussions with major international fishing fleets.'