Overview
The ABE project aimed to address the problems induced by main engine vibrations for both merchant and cruise ships, taking into account the impact on marine fauna through the noise produced by the hull. The project aimed to research innovative simulation/optimisation methods to reduce noise and vibrations generated by the main engines that propagate towards the hull, cabins and public spaces through Structure Borne Noise (vibration of the engine structure through the foundation of the ship) and the Exhaust Gas Noise (pulsation of the exhaust gas at the turbine outlet).
ABE considered the interconnection between the acoustic, vibrational and chemical emissions which characterise both merchant ships and cruise ships, generated by the engine structure and the burnt gases, with the aim to research design methodologies and abatement technologies with the purpose to offer the sector a system of new services and products. With regard to the environmental impact, a combined catalytic scrubber technology (filter to reduce emissions) was developed with the aim to simultaneously break down sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulates and hydrocarbons emitted without the use of SCR systems (chemical processes of emissions abatement).