Electric Propulsion: The Dawn of a New Generation of Marine Power?
Technological advancement is opening new doors for hybrid and fully electric vessels.In mid-2020, the U.S. Navy accepted the delivery of the USS Zumwalt, the Navy’s first full-electric power and propulsion surface combatant. The ship’s new electric propulsion plant provides favorable efficiency coupled with a reduced total cost of ownership. The design is flexible and efficient to deliver power where it’s needed, when it’s needed. Its adoption is symbolic of a maritime future and what could be in store for other marine craft…
New Propulsor Leverages PM Technology
Finnish collaborators have unveiled a new propulsion unit. Azimuth propulsion specialist Steerprop has rolled out its new CRP ECO LM propulsor featuring permanent magnet (PM) technology from The Switch. Steerprop has been developing propulsion units since 2001, while The Switch, a developer of advanced drive train solutions, has been using its technology to enhance performance in marine applications. The PM machine, currently in serial production, has a track record in the world’s largest wind turbines in rough offshore conditions.
GE Enters the Containership Industry
GE’s Marine Solutions has signed a contract to provide auxiliary electric systems to containership operator Maersk Line’s second generation Triple-E vessels, thus representing GE’s entry into the container shipping industry. The contract will see GE provide Maersk Line with its new Power Take Off/Power Take In (PTO/PTI) technology, which consists of two drives, two induction motors and a power management system. The solution provides excess power on demand while reducing fuel consumption, GE said.
