The Switch sets its sights on the marine market

It hopes to build on the momentum of a flurry of recent orders, its acquisition of Wartsila Drives, and the financial clout of its new Japanese parent company, the EUR 3.3 billion turnover Yaskawa Electric Corporation.

The specialist in the development and supply of advanced drive train solutions, believes its permanent magnet (PM) and frequency converter technology can have the same transformational effect on the marine sector as it has had in wind power. In wind, The Switch is a preferred industry supplier, providing permanent magnet generators and full-power converters to wind turbines worldwide. In total, the firm boasts an installed capacity in excess of 13 GW. The largest low voltage (690 V) PM generators installed have a capacity of 8.6 MW.

“We entered the marine market four years ago,” comments Business Development Manager Mika Koli. “We saw a huge potential to transfer not just our unique competency, but also the benefits that our technology can deliver to a sector facing challenges on a number of fronts. Namely, with regard to operational costs, falling profit margins and increasing environmental regulations and concern.

“Our products address all these issues. With this in mind, we believe we can make a real difference in marine – championing both enhanced efficiency, the environment and our customers’ businesses. We see this as the beginning of a new energy era.”

The Switch manufactures PM machines that, in conjunction with frequency converters, convert mechanical energy into electric power that can then be utilized for onboard systems and equipment. With modular, flexible and lightweight designs, the solutions drive a new wave of efficiency.

Its PM shaft generators can be used to create cost-effective electricity and save fuel – with large merchant vessels potentially consuming 50% less energy during slow steaming. Meanwhile, vessels utilizing electric propulsion can optimize fuel consumption and access predictable and flexible power with unmatched power density.

In addition, The Switch’s frequency converters deliver reliable and accurate speed control. This makes them ideal for vessels operating in varying environments and speed ranges – such as ferries, cruise ships, ice breakers and tugs – and perfectly suited to the demands of dynamic positioning systems.

By Jake Frith