Press Release: The Switch, a global leader in advanced drive train technology, says that the maritime industry must adopt a realistic approach to the challenge of sustainable shipping, piecing together individual technologies to create efficient vessels that are greater than the sum of their parts. There’s no simple ‘off the shelf’ complete solution, they stress. Instead, there is a wealth of existing innovations and systems that can radically transform the industry’s environmental performance when used together.
“Stricter regulations, greater environmental awareness and the imperative to control operating costs in increasingly tight markets are key drivers for an industry that must optimize operational efficiency,” says Mika Koli, Business Development Manager at The Switch. “But at the same time, it’s unrealistic to think this can happen with one ‘big idea’ or technological breakthrough. What shipowners need to do is future proof new and existing vessels by making smart choices – by seeing what is available and then putting the pieces of the puzzle together.”
“There are some game-changers already on the market,” Koli stresses, “technologies that are fundamentally simple, energy efficient and can greatly reduce the life-cycle costs and emissions of the world fleet. Of those, we believe hybrid solutions, DC networks and permanent magnet (PM) driven contra-rotating propulsors are among the most compelling solutions available.”
The Switch has been serving the marine segment since 2013, acquiring Wärtsilä Drives in Norway in November 2016 to boost its proposition. The advanced drive train expertise of the Finnish-headquartered firm has seen it build an installed base of over 13 GW of megawatt-class PM machine and converter packages, with a globally leading position in the wind arena.
“We are committed to helping the industry become more sustainable, both commercially and environmentally,” Koli comments, “while ensuring our customers meet regulatory and societal demands. Our products are tailor-made for this mission.”
Three concepts sit at the heart of The Switch’s marine business. Its PM shaft generators can be used to create cost-effective electricity and save fuel – with large merchant vessels potentially consuming less energy during slow steaming. Meanwhile, its compact, lightweight and simple DC-Hub allows vessel generators to run at optimal efficiency, with batteries taking the strain of load changes, thus significantly reducing fuel consumption. In addition, its DC nature allows batteries to be utilized as stand-by power sources, enabling generators to be switched off entirely. Fewer conversions are also needed, meaning less lost energy.
These are technologies Koli expects to see becoming more widespread throughout the industry.
