ABB has won an order from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group to equip 18 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers with the permanent magnet shaft generator technology. The 271,000 m3 ultra-large LNG carriers are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
The order was officially signed into force at the 7th China International Import Expo 2024. This is Hudong-Zhonghua’s first order for an ABB axle generator system and the highest value and volume of newbuilding orders for this technology to date.
ABB permanent magnet shaft generator technology enhances operational efficiency of vessels by utilizing the power from the shaft and main engine, resulting in better fuel economy compared to getting the power from high-speed, fuel-intensive auxiliary engines.
In addition, the permanent magnet shaft generator is optimized for converter control, enabling better efficiency than either induction or electrically excited synchronous machines can offer at full and partial load. According to ABB’s estimation, this helps to cut ship fuel costs by up to 4 percent. Working with ABB’s advanced ACS880 Converter and Control System with D/C Link, the technology can increase fuel efficiency by a further one percent.
Integrating the technology with power, control and automation across multiple ship functions enhances energy efficiency and helps reduce emissions as a result. This aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization targets, using measures like the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) of ships.
Prior to this order, ABB and South Korean shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries recently completed a similar order deal to supply shaft generator systems for 15 LNG carriers, with a delivery period from mid-2026 to August 2028, it is said.