WE Tech Solutions (WE Tech), a leading energy efficiency solution provider, has confirmed an important order to deliver Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator solution to two new 25,600 dwt dual-fuelled handysize bulk carriers, with an option for two more. The vessels are owned by the Finnish shipowner ESL Shipping Ltd., and built by the Chinese Qingshan Shipyard of Sinotrans & CSC SBICO.
Designed by Deltamarin Ltd., these new, ice-class 1A ships will be the first LNG dual-fueled handysize bulk carriers in the world, representing the latest in technology and innovation. “With the active front-end low harmonic drive technology (WE DriveTM) and the Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator technology in our solution, the energy efficiency of the machinery reaches unmatched levels in the marine industry,” says Mr Martin Andtfolk, Sales Manager of WE Tech.
In Power Take Out (PTO) mode, WE DriveTM enables propulsion machinery to operate in combinator/variable speed while the Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator produces electrical power up to 700 kW for the vessel’s electrical network. Significant savings can be achieved by drastically decreasing the operating hours of auxiliary generators, as well as reducing the need for maintenance.
In Power Take In (PTI) mode, WE DriveTM converts auxiliary generator power to propulsion power by employing the Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator as an electrical motor. The solution is utilized as Ice-Boost mode for ice-class vessels when sailing in ice. It can provide boost power of up to 1250 kW directly to the propeller shaft to boost the main engine in demanding conditions.
The delivery from WE Tech is scheduled to commerce in March 2017. “Our vision is 30 % less fuel consumed in the global shipping industry by 2030,” says Mr Mårten Storbacka, Managing Director of WE Tech. In the past few years, the company has received numerous orders to deliver energy efficient solutions to vessels around the world.