Finnish-headquartered Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch, a specialist in advanced drive train technology, has signed a contract to provide 16 DC-Hubs and 32 frequency converters for a revolutionary new shuttle tanker concept developed by Teekay and Wärtsilä.

The four tankers will be built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, with Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch set to begin deliveries to Wärtsilä in September 2018.

The agreement is the biggest marine contract for Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch since entering the segment in 2013. According to Asbjørn Halsebakke, general manager, Norway, The Switch DC-Hub technology is a key piece of the jigsaw. It provides absolute redundancy and system availability, while eliminating the need for an AC switchboard. This lowers both the initial system investment cost and long-term operational expenses.

Halsebakke stated: “From the start, we’ve been focused on developing technology that lowers operational cost, enabling vessels to be more competitive and reducing their impact on the environment. We feel there is a growing demand for smarter, more sustainable operations, and this concept from Teekay and Wärtsilä embodies that drive. We’re delighted that our technology plays such an important role in a design that can be a real game-changer for the niche shuttle tanker segment.”

The lightweight frequency converters, eight in each ship, provide reliable system performance. The DC-Hubs enable Wärtsilä’s hybrid solution, which uses batteries for fuel savings. Any energy source can be connected to the DC-Hub.

“Our technology is simple, robust and perfect for this concept,” added Halsebakke. “It works with Wärtsilä’s smart solutions to enhance operational efficiency. The fact that any power source can be connected to the DC-Hub helps to future-proof vessels.”

“We believe this technology can help shipping chart a course towards a more sustainable future – both environmentally and commercially – and will drive future marine growth for us,” he continued.

Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch is a global leader in developing megawatt-class permanent magnet (PM) machines and converter packages for the marine and wind industry. Empowered by the environmental credentials and cost efficiency of its product portfolio, it is now targeting growth of 200 per cent in the marine sector over the next five years. – TradeArabia News Service