Swedish-Swiss multinational electrical engineering corporation ABB has secured an order to supply its permanent magnet shaft generator system to 30 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers from shipbuilders in China and South Korea.
The orders will see 18 Chinese vessels and 12 South Korean vessels fitted with this advanced technology, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.
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The permanent magnet shaft generator system, developed by ABB, capitalises on power from the main engine to improve fuel economy, offering an efficient alternative to auxiliary engines.
This technology is not only fuel-efficient but also reduces the need to start high-speed, fuel-intensive auxiliary engines during voyages, enabling ship operators to achieve fuel savings.
ABB’s system is estimated to reduce fuel costs by up to 4% compared to conventional power solutions, according to the company.
ABB Marine and Ports cargo vessels global segment head Michael Christensen said: “We are proud to win the largest ever combined orders for our permanent magnet shaft generator systems, with LNG carrier deliveries set for multiple AMEA owners from shipbuilders in China and South Korea.
“These agreements include first-time customers for the permanent magnet shaft generator system, further confirming its benefits across a wide scope of cargo vessel types to serve shipping’s need for the enhanced fuel efficiency that reduces operating costs and helps them to meet decarbonisation requirements.”
The permanent magnet shaft generator system when integrated with the company’s ACS880 converter and control system, provides enhanced flexibility and functionality for hybrid applications as well as an additional 1% increase in fuel efficiency, stated ABB.
The design of the permanent magnet shaft generator system offers up to 20% savings in space and weight by eliminating the excitation unit inside the converter. Its compact size and simplicity also contribute to lower installation and maintenance costs.
These benefits are crucial for ship owners aiming to improve their competitive edge and meet the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonisation goals.
In November 2024, All American Marine awarded ABB a contract to provide a hybrid-electric propulsion system for a 63ft ocean sampling catamaran, slated for delivery in 2027 to the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) in California.
