Page 12: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2025)

The Path to Zero

ELECTRIFYING THE SEAS:

Permanent Magnet Shaft Generators

Image courtesy ABB

By Daniele Pedron, Marine Global Industry Segment Manager for ABB’s Large Motors and Generators Division aced with a combination of mounting regulatory pres- on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy sure and escalating fuel prices, shipowners and op- performance. Beginning in 2027 some vessels will also be erators must adapt quickly or risk falling behind. Im- subject to emissions-linked charges in further efforts from the

Fproving energy ef? ciency and cutting greenhouse gas IMO to address the sector’s carbon footprint. Alongside these emissions are no longer optional – they are essential to long- regulations, volatile fuel costs and increasing scrutiny from term viability in the shipping industry, helping to hit environ- environmentally conscious stakeholders are accelerating the mental goals but also signi? cantly reducing operational costs. transition towards cleaner technologies.

To meet these challenges head-on, the industry is looking In this evolving landscape, electri? cation is a powerful le- towards innovative technologies that offer not just compliance ver – and PM shaft generators are proving to be a high-impact with current environmental standards but also a pathway to sus- component of that strategy to provide bene? ts for both the tained operational ef? ciency. Among these transformative solu- planet and the bottom line.

tions, permanent magnet (PM) shaft generators are emerging as a cornerstone of maritime electri? cation and sustainability. Bene? ts of PM Shaft Generators

The core advantage of PM shaft generators lies in their ef? -

Meeting the New Maritime Mandate ciency, particularly under variable load and speed conditions.

Regulatory frameworks such as the International Maritime These generators maintain high performance even during

Organization’s (IMO) Energy Ef? ciency Design Index (EEDI) low-speed sailing or partial engine loads – scenarios that are for new ships and the Energy Ef? ciency Existing Ship Index commonplace in ocean-going operations.

(EEXI) for existing vessels have placed a renewed emphasis For example, a 3 MW PM shaft generator delivers 98% ef- 12 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • June 2025

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