Success for Norwegian electro specialist

Bergen-based NES designs and manufactures diesel electric and hybrid systems for the maritime sector.

NES says that it is currently commissioning one of its largest systems, and which it says is the world’s largest low voltage (690V 60Hz).diesel electric system, on the offshore construction vessel Grand Canyon. The ship was built in Turkey to the Skipsteknisk ST259 design for Volstad Management. Outfitting and completion is being carried out at the Bergen Fosen yard in Norway, and features an NES-delivered power plant rated at 22,600kVA. NES says that the previous largest similar system was of 18,000kVA.

The 125m Grand Canyon has two main thrusters, each driven through a gearbox by two 2,500kW electric propulsion motors. As well as this 10,000kW of main propulsion power, there are six transverse thrusters, each of 2,000kW.

The package of NES-supplied equipment for Grand Canyon includes generators, motors, main switchboard, emergency switchboard, ROV switchboard, frequency transformers to NES’s own QuadroDrive design, other transformers, BOSS (black out safety system – another NES-developed product) and a remote assistance system). NES was additionally responsible for design, drawing, calculations and engineering, as well as commissioning.

Among other large systems delivered by NES are advanced ring-net solutions for large self-propelled jack-up rigs built in the Middle East. The first, Zaratan, was built in Dubai at the Lamprell shipyard and is currently installing wind turbines. This has been followed by a second order valued at $8 million for another self-propelled jack-up rig, Seajacks Hydra, designed by MSC Gusto.

The scope of supply for Hydra, also being built at Lamprell, includes diesel engines, generators, thruster motors, drives, switchboards, UPS QuadroDrive, BOSSand remote assistance system. All will use the NES ring-net switchboard solution, the whole system being similar to that installed on Zaratan. NES says that its switchboard solution provides high levels of protection for increased DP capability and redundancy, and the system boats total harmonic distortion of under 2%.

“We are the only 100% Norwegian owned company, who has managed to improve the old systems up to state-of-the-art level,” says Jan Berg, CEO and president of NES. “We are very proud of what we have achieved technically and that we have sales personnel with relevant technical experience. It makes me very proud that a company like NES is able to compete internationally so well. Norway has many fantastic producers on the marine market which makes us proud, i.e. Frank Mohn, Kongsberg, etc, but none are wholly electro companies and this gives us great satisfaction.”

Despite the growth of shipbuilding in countries like China and India, Mr Berg believes that when it comes to advanced integrated electrical systems, Norway will be in the forefront both technically and commercially. He claims a global market share of about 14.7% for NES.