Himalaya bulkers feature ABB PM shaft generators

ABB's equipment package for new bulkers features PM shaft generators with a power-take-off (PTO) solution

Technology in a series of up to 12 new 210,000 dwt LNG-fueled bulkers will include a scope of ABB solutions with permanent magnet (PM) shaft generators at its core. The ships are on order for Tor Olav Troim’s recently launched Himalaya Shipping Ltd. (NOTC:HSHIP) at New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu, China.

They will be among the most efficient ships of their type on delivery with the ABB technology improving their energy efficiency by up to 4% while saving about 20% of space on board compared to a conventional solution

ABB’s equipment package features shaft generators with a power-take-off (PTO) solution. The solution comprises new drive systems and permanent magnet technology, and also includes low-voltage drives and transformers, along with engineering, project management and commissioning services.

The ships’ energy systems align with goals set out in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII).

The shaft generator performance come from the inclusion of permanent magnet technology and new ACS880 single drive systems from ABB. The drive system delivering greater responsiveness for the changing power needs of a bulk carrier depending on the speed, bulk freight weight, and electrical load changing.

The possibility to choose the most efficient operational option from several alternatives allows reducing fuel costs by 3-4%, while the footprint of the equipment package is approximately 20% smaller compared to equivalent units featuring synchronous excitation machines. In addition, higher power density enabled by ABB’s solution allows reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

“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, CEO of shipbuilding consultancy SeaQuest.

“We are honored to build these innovative dual-fuel bulk carriers,” said Qiaohua Dong, deputy director of the 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 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, says ABB, 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, says ABB, permanent magnet technology is also relevant for existing ships, with retrofitting shaft generator systems offering a practical option for improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions.