The first two World Class vessels from MSC Cruises will use GE Power Conversion’s pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to deliver clean and electric propulsion. The first vessel to be delivered, the MSC World Europa, is already in operation and using the equipment with the second vessel currently under construction.
Each vessel features two 25MW 120rpm-127.5rpm induction motors supplied by four press-pack insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) PWM MV7000 converters. GE Power Conversion’s supply scope also includes four propulsion transformers and remote control for onboard propulsion – technology designed to improve reliability and lower maintenance costs over the vessel’s service life.
“Against the backdrop of a competitive environment, we are confident that GE’s proven electric propulsion technology is the ideal choice for our fleet,” explained Emilio LaScala, president and managing director at MSC Cruise Management. “It will bring reduced operating costs and improved propulsion performance, ideally suited for our next generation of cruise vessels.”
GE Power Conversion developed the electric propulsion system approximately 20 years ago, with the solution first used by a number of navies. At present, the system is used to by a range of vessels that require enhanced power and performance in the multi-megawatt class.
“For delivery of long-term performance, inboard electric propulsion technology is optimal for cruise vessels as it can deliver a robust power source that balances energy efficiency and propulsion reliability with a reduction in maintenance costs,” explained Loïc Thiébaut, merchant marine business leader at GE Power Conversion. “GE has pioneered the use of both high-power induction motors and PWM for marine operations and has demonstrated a track record of applying this technology efficiently in the powering of world-wide cruise vessels.”