The purpose of marine electric propulsion
An electric propulsion system connects a vessel’s electrical installation to its propulsors. The customer needs to define the required operating modes and the method of thrust control. The system is therefore considered together with the power architecture and propulsion equipment, rather than as a separate device described by a single power rating.
Controlling speed and direction
The VID catalogue describes systems for various vessels that regulate propeller speed and direction of rotation. These functions form the basis of motion control. Specific ranges, command sequences and interaction with other systems are defined by the vessel’s technical requirements.
Operation with azimuth thrusters
Combining electric propulsion with azimuth thrusters improves vessel manoeuvrability and handling. The catalogue also notes optimisation of main-engine loading and reduced harmful emissions. The results depend on the system architecture and operating modes; no universal percentage savings are specified for all projects.
Experience in system development
Customers listed for this field include the Krylov State Research Centre, AK BARS Shipbuilding Corporation and KONAR-MT JSC. These projects form part of VID’s work on marine electrical systems, where power equipment, controls and propulsor requirements must be coordinated.
Development and production testing
The company has operated since 2006. Its capabilities include electrical circuit design, automation, programming, in-house manufacture and load testing. In system development, these capabilities connect the customer’s requirements with the electrical architecture, mechanical design and equipment verification.
Inputs for a new system
Discussion of electric propulsion starts with the vessel type and purpose, power architecture, propulsor characteristics and required operating modes. These inputs determine the system structure and control requirements. Interaction with the onboard network and other systems is agreed separately. Related solutions include electrical equipment for the EKO BALT hydrogen vessel and remote voyage monitoring.
Illustrative scenes are based on project materials.
Related solutions
Remote vessel monitoring: voyage data for shoreside analysis ↗