ABB secures magnet shaft generator deal

The 174,000-cbm capacity ships are due for delivery between mid-2026 and August 2028 to multiple owners serving the supply chain needs of charterer Qatar Energy.

The contract is the South Korean yard’s single largest ever order for LNG carriers.

“The scale of this order suggests that key LNG stakeholders now recognise permanent magnet shaft generator system benefits that are widely accepted by owners in the container ship, oil tanker and bulk carrier markets,” said Michael Christensen, global segment responsible for cargo, ABB Marine & Ports.

“The agreement further strengthens our position in the cargo segment and emphasises our commitment to helping the shipping industry enhance fuel efficiency, reduce costs and reduce emissions in line with environmental regulations.”

ABB permanent magnet shaft generator technology is said to enhance operational efficiency by using power from the shaft and main engine, resulting in better fuel economy compared with using high-speed, fuel-intensive auxiliary engines.

The generators are also optimised for converter control which ABB estimates helps to cut fuel costs by up to 4%. Working with ABB’s ACS880 Converter and Control System with D/C Link, the technology can reportedly increase fuel efficiency by a further 1%.