Electric propulsion for LNG ships

The company says that it has now been contracted to supply systems for 26 LNG carriers and five FSRUs. According to Jean-Philippe Chaignot, merchant marine business leader, electric drive has become the technology of choice for LNG carriers because of its overall performance. GE’s solution employs high power pulse width modulation (PWM) technology based on insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and simple induction motors.

“The simplicity of induction-based propulsion motor technology makes it more reliable, helps lower routine or emergency maintenance costs and provide lower life-cycle costs of ownership,” Mr Chaignot says.

Among the recent GE orders are a FRSU ordered by Hoegh and an LNG carrier for Tsakos Energy, both being built at Hyundai Heavy Industries, and two LNG carriers ordered from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering by Maran Gas Maritime. Maran has now specified GE systems for 11 ships.

“We use high power pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to bring important added value to the end customer,” says Mr Chaignot. “Along with our induction motors, it is one of the most robust technologies available, and it substantially increases the overall availability of the system as a whole.”