The Switch Marks 500th Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator Order

The Switch, a supplier of permanent magnet shaft generators, has reached its 500th order, a milestone reflecting the growing adoption of energy-efficient power solutions in shipping.

“Reaching 500 orders is a milestone not just for The Switch, but for the shipping industry as a whole,” said Jussi Puranen, Product Line Director for Electric Machines. “Every shaft generator we deliver directly reduces CO₂ emissions, helping shipowners cut fuel consumption and comply with tightening environmental regulations. This number reflects both our customers’ commitment to sustainability and our team’s dedication to cost-effective, tailor-made engineering. Considering that we delivered our first shaft generator only ten years ago, it also shows how fast the green transition in shipping is taking place.”

Shaft generators convert the main engine’s power into electricity for a vessel’s onboard systems, lowering dependence on auxiliary diesel generators that run less efficiently. Permanent magnet shaft generators, in particular, are estimated to cut carbon emissions compared to conventional shaft generators with electric excitation by over 100,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to the emissions of more than 22,000 passenger cars. When compared to genset-based systems, the savings rise to over 600,000 metric tons per year, equal to the emissions of around 140,000 passenger cars.

More than 300 of The Switch’s permanent magnet shaft generators are currently in operation across container ships, gas carriers, bulk carriers, tankers, and car carriers. Together, they have accumulated over 5 million operating hours without vessel downtime due to failures, according to the company.

“Field-proven technologies like permanent magnet shaft generators are vital stepping stones as the industry navigates toward a net-zero future,” said Miika Reinikka, CEO of The Switch. “We are proud to help our end customers sail more sustainably and look forward to celebrating the next 500 deliveries.”

The company noted that it continues to invest in research and development to enhance efficiency and reliability, aiming to help shipowners meet evolving regulatory requirements.