Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), to assess and apply Advanced Waste Heat Recovery (AWHR) technology to Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships. The contract involves a two-phase approach. In phase one, MLL will conduct a detailed analysis to determine which MSC ships will generate the greatest return on investment from the use of AWHR technology. Based on the findings, MLL may then lead the installation of such systems in phase two.

AWHR systems capture energy from the hot exhaust of ship engines and use the heat as a source of power to reduce fuel consumption, which is a ship's single largest operating cost. The systems also cut emission of CO2, sulfur and nitrous oxides, and particulate matter.

"Maersk Line, Limited connects the U.S. Government to commercial maritime innovation, and through 27 years serving our country, we are in a unique position to adapt our AWHR systems to the MSC fleet," stated Bob Bowers, Senior Director of MLL's Maritime Technical Services business. "MLL is confident that we can increase the efficiency and reduce operating costs of MSC vessels through the application of AWHR technology."

The AWHR contract with NSWCCD is another example of the cost- and energy-saving solutions that MLL delivers to its U.S. government customers. MLL's parent company, the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group (Maersk), installed its first AWHR system nearly a decade ago and since has installed it on numerous vessels across its 1,300-ship fleet. Maersk has worked with leading component manufacturers to hone the technology, design and operation of the system, and it now installs AWHR systems in every new ship it builds.

"We consider waste-heat recovery to be a significant technological advancement in maritime energy efficiency, and we are excited to help MSC gain the greatest possible benefit from it," explained Bowers.