--- title: Advances in Marine Propulsion You Should be Watching description: The need for more cost-effective shipping has resulted marine propulsion innovations that are changing international trade and maritime transportation. image: https://info.depco.com/hs-fs/file-641964797-png/images/marine-propulsion-technology.png --- [![Depico Power System](https://info.depco.com/hs-fs/hub/142125/file-1581455924.png)](http://www.depco.com/index.aspx) [Dealer Login](https://info.depco.com/login) 800-723-3726 9am - 6pm CST +1.713.675.6100 Int'l # [Advances in Marine Propulsion You Should be Watching](https://info.depco.com/blog/bid/196186/Advances-in-Marine-Propulsion-You-Should-be-Watching) Posted by [Jack Barry](https://info.depco.com/blog/author/jack-barry) on Fri, Apr 04, 2014 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![marine propulsion technology](https://info.depco.com/hs-fs/file-641964797-png/images/marine-propulsion-technology.png)Marine engineering has come a long way since the paddle, propeller, sail – and now – even the traditional diesel engine, a popular choice to power fleets since the early 1900s. Dwindling natural resources and a constant push to make international shipping more cost effective has driven several sizable advances in marine propulsion technology. New ideas that are getting increased buy-in and utilization across the globe include alternative fuel designs, dual engine options and even the pursuit of electric marine propulsion technologies. - **Marine Propulsion via Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)** A popular fuel alternative a few decades ago, peak demand waned for LNG but has since picked back up, especially in the United States and United Kingdom. This resurgence is due to several factors: the belief that the fuel can offer higher financial returns, the continued depletion of other traditional fuels, and fact that LNG is green, putting out substantially less harmful emissions than all other fossil fuels. - **The Versatility of Dual Fuel Engines **Fueled by a combination of heavy fuel oil, LNG and marine grade diesel, more and more vessels and rigs are utilizing multiple options for marine propulsion. Operations that previously relied solely on diesel engine-powered ships can now benefit from greater fuel efficiency, tax reductions and other savings associated with incorporating a hybrid approach to their marine propulsion systems.** **And operationally speaking, having two methods to power a fleet from Point A to Point B is always better than one. - **Electric Engines and the Future of Marine Propulsion **If the main criteria for being a suitable propulsion system include being environmentally friendly, being plentiful and being cost effective, then an electrical engine** **fits the bill. Companies such as Rolls Royce are constructing electric marine propulsion systems that not only fulfill these criteria, but allow large commercial vessels to run lighter and quieter. Developments in marine propulsion are really picking up steam. Driven by a concern for the environment, forging the future of marine transportation and a drive for increased cost effectiveness, fleet operators as well as other maritime trade and travel professionals are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this ongoing innovation. [![New Call-to-Action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/142125/f764f70a-988e-44ab-a4b5-b9dce95e951e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/142125/f764f70a-988e-44ab-a4b5-b9dce95e951e) Tags: [Marine](https://info.depco.com/blog/topic/marine), [Marine Engines](https://info.depco.com/blog/topic/marine-engines), [Natural Gas](https://info.depco.com/blog/topic/natural-gas) ### Subscribe via Email [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/142125/498b4442-52c1-4a1d-94f2-0c4f0f55ab5c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/142125/498b4442-52c1-4a1d-94f2-0c4f0f55ab5c) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/142125/12c805ca-e10c-42c3-8674-1453c61a2bc3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/142125/12c805ca-e10c-42c3-8674-1453c61a2bc3) ### Latest Posts ### Follow Depco © Depco Power Systems, Inc. 2013. All Rights Reserved. - [Home](https://info.depco.com/home/) - [Buy](https://info.depco.com/buy/) - [Sell](https://info.depco.com/sell/) - [Rent](https://info.depco.com/rent/) - [Industries & Applications](https://info.depco.com/industries-applications/) - [Dealers & Partners](https://info.depco.com/dealers-partners/) - [About Us](https://info.depco.com/about-us/) - [Buyer’s Resources](https://info.depco.com/buyers-resources/) - [Blog](https://info.depco.com/blog/?__hstc=118998038.a9b55e41bb15336c402cb90f6de3cd18.1371133201131.1373557551132.1373892328081.23&__hssc=118998038.1.1373892328081) Depco Power Systems | 8123 Hillsboro Street | Houston , Texas 77029 | 800.723.3726 tf | +1.713.675.6100 intl Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, and all other brand names and logos are trademarks of their respective companies.