ABB expects PM shaft generators on Himalaya Shipping series to achieve 4% fuel savings

By installing the shaft generators with a Power-Take-Off (PTO) solution in the vessels, ABB notes it will improve the energy efficiency of these vessels by up to 4 percent while enhancing operational flexibility. 

The solution also includes new drive systems and permanent magnet technology, reducing the footprint of the system by about 20 percent compared with conventional solutions using synchronous excitation technology. The higher power density achieved by ABB’s solution also allows reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

The performance gains are driven by the use of permanent magnet technology as well as ABB’s new ACS880 single drive systems. The new drive system delivers greater responsiveness for the changing power needs of a bulk carrier depending on the speed, bulk freight weight, and electrical load changing. 

ABB’s full scope of supply for the Himalaya Shipping vessels also includes low-voltage drives and transformers, as well as engineering, project management and commissioning services.

“ABB’s latest series of shaft generators support our initiatives to ensure optimized ship efficiency, reduce CO2 / NOx emissions and deliver maximum performance using less power in a package that is compact, robust and easy to maintain,” said Jan Andersson from SeaQuest, Himalaya Shipping consultant. 

“We are honored to build these innovative dual-fuel bulk carriers,” said Qiaohua Dong, Deputy Director of Ship Design Institute of Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. “With more strict emissions regulations and requirements, our shipyard should also adapt to new technologies and solutions. It is the first time for us to install ABB’s latest shaft generator system. By utilizing this energy-efficient system, it will also help us to develop the capability of building an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future.”

“This contract marks a significant milestone for our new generation of permanent magnet shaft generator-based solutions, with improved energy efficiency,” said Michael D. Christensen, Global Segment Manager Dry Cargo, ABB Marine & Ports. “The solution offers a range of benefits to help shipowners and operators enhance efficiency and reduce emissions without the need for additional investments compared to a standard synchronous excitation machine. Furthermore, the ABB ACS880 drive system ensures supreme performance and the very best uptime in class.”

Based on simplicity in construction, integrating permanent magnet technology onboard a vessel is straightforward, while reducing maintenance costs due to the absence of the carbon brushes which need frequent replacement in synchronous excitated machines.

In addition to newbuild vessels, ABB’s permanent magnet technology is also relevant for existing ships, where retrofitting shaft generator systems offers a practical option for improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions.