MSC takes GE in-board propulsion system

Shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique will equip the first two cruise vessels for MSC Cruises’ latest class of ships with GE Power Conversion’s in-board propulsion system

The first ship, MSC World Europa, is now in operation and the second vessel is under construction with delivery due next year.

MSC Cruise Management president and managing director Emilio LaScala said, “Against the backdrop of a competitive environment, we are confident GE’s proven electric propulsion technology is the ideal choice for our fleet. It will bring reduced operating costs and improved propulsion performance, ideally suited for our next generation of cruise vessels.”

To date, 17 MSC Cruises vessels use GE Power Conversion’s electric propulsion system, with MSC World Europa the most recent to be launched into operation. Prior to this, MSC Seascape was also fitted with GE’s propulsion system.

GE Power Conversion said its energy-efficient pulse width modulation (PWM) induction technology can help fleet operators comply with ‘clean ship’ regulations while also helping to reduce operating costs.

MSC’s World-class series of vessels feature LNG dual-fuel ships propelled by two 25-MW, 120-127 rpm electrical induction motors which are fed by four press-pack insulated gate bipolar transistor PWM MV7000 converters.

GE Power Conversion’s scope also includes four propulsion transformers and remote control for onboard propulsion, technology that can contribute to improved propulsion reliability and lower maintenance costs during the vessels’ operating lifecycle.

The induction technology GE Power Conversion developed two decades ago was first used by military vessels, but is now widely used in the commercial space for ships that require optimum performance and power output in the multi-megawatt classes for electric power and propulsion efficiency.