Unity Line, m/f Gryf

Bow thruster generator automation on the ferry "Gryf"

The ferry m/f Gryf, purchased by Unity Line, was fitted before entering service with an additional bow thruster powered by its own 1 MVA generator set. We designed and carried out a rebuild that made the generator's power available to the ship's entire network

Scope of works

Network survey: three auxiliary engines, a shaft generator and an emergency generator set
Calculations of the new source's impact on the power distribution system
Rebuild design agreed with the owner, crew and classification society
Installation of a new automation switchboard
Maintaining the generator's continuous readiness to supply the fire-suppression system
Testing and commissioning between daily sailings

Starting point

Originally, the new generator set's power was available only to the bow thruster, used only briefly during port entry and departure manoeuvres. This led to the idea of putting the generator to broader use by integrating it into the ship's power plant as an integral component

Challenge

Besides the bow thruster, the generator set also supplied other important loads, including the fire-suppression system. The design had to guarantee the generator's constant readiness to supply that system regardless of crew actions or the generator's current load. We had two weeks to install a completely new automation switchboard, with final works carried out between daily sailings

Result

The resulting system allows the power source to be switched at any time, without interrupting the power supply and while maintaining constant readiness to power emergency loads — significantly improving the installation's functionality and safety