GAS TURBINE PROPULSION FOR THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD POLAR 8 ICEBREAKER AND FOR CRUISE SHIPS

The GE LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine has been used for the propulsion of naval vessels since the late 1970s. Its desirable attributes are its low weight and volume in combination with high thermal efficiency, high reliability and maintainability. These attributes also make it suitable for other marine applications. The purpose of this paper is to describe two of these: the propulsion of the planned Canadian Coast Guard Polar 8 icebreaker and the propulsion of cruise ships. The LM2500 is a simple cycle, two-shaft engine consisting of a gas generator and a power turbine. Shaft power is transmitted by a flexible coupling extending through the exhaust duct.