Record-Breaking Order: Largest Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator System Secured for 30 LNG Carriers

ABB secured orders from shipbuilders in China and South Korea to equip 18 and 12 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers, respectively, with permanent magnet shaft generator technology. The ships are due for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

ABB’s permanent magnet shaft generator system is aimed to boost fuel economy compared to solutions where power is provided by auxiliary engines. By avoiding starting up high-speed, fuel-intensive auxiliary engines during a voyage, ship operators can achieve significantly greater fuel efficiency. In addition, the permanent magnet shaft generator solution provides better efficiency than either induction or electrically excited synchronous machines at full and partial load.

According to ABB’s estimation, the company’s permanent magnet shaft generator system can cut fuel costs by up to four percent compared to conventional solutions. When combined with ABB’s advanced ACS880 Converter and Control System, which ensures maximum flexibility and functionality in hybrid applications, the technology can increase fuel efficiency by a further one percent.

By eliminating the excitation unit inside the converter, combined with the compact size of the permanent magnet shaft generator, the system has the potential to deliver up to 20 percent space and weight savings, while its simple design helps to reduce installation and