Over the past year, we’ve seen a steady uptick in demand for our marine products. Both product lines – power electronics and electrical machines – have received many new orders, with the increase in power electronics sales especially noticeable. This, of course, creates a positive problem: how are we going to produce everything? Until recently,…
An order for two The Switch PMM1500M permanent magnet (PM) shaft generators was received for a newbuild Pure Car, Truck Carrier (PCTC) with the option for an additional two vessels. The vessels will use the shaft generators for power take out (PTO). The first PMM1500M is scheduled for delivery in Q1 2026 and the second…
It will soon be 10 years since we delivered the world’s first megawatt-class permanent magnet (PM) shaft generators. Using PM shaft generators instead of auxiliary gensets can significantly reduce fuel consumption. This also leads to lower emissions since less fuel needs to be burned. Due to recently tightened emission regulations with the ultimate goal for…
In this blog post, we discuss what immense benefits PM generators bring to ships, compared to traditional technologies.
Lappeenranta, Finland – The Switch, a leading supplier of permanent magnet (PM) machines for marine applications, has launched the PMM850M PM machine, a compact, high-efficiency solution designed to help shipowners lower fuel consumption, reduce emissions and decrease operating costs. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027. Key advantages for customers: Filling a strategic market gap…
The cooling system for a vessel’s electrical machines and drives is of paramount importance. Inadequately handled thermal stresses can cause an electrical system to age prematurely or even fail. A successful cooling system design must completely address all potential issues. Air-cooled systems are the cheapest and easiest to maintain. However, liquid-cooled systems come with so many…
The Switch has received a new order for 10 permanent magnet direct-drive PMM2000M shaft generators for 10,300 TEU dual-fuel container vessels. Delivery is expected in Q1 2026–Q1 2027. The PMM2000M is the largest frame size in the company’s portfolio of shaft generators. A key aspect in the design of the vessels is to use a…
What does the future hold for electrification of the marine industry? A review of the past year’s trends shows a clear movement toward electrification. Green transition gathering speed The transition to using sustainable solutions in the marine market has clearly been on the industry agenda over the past year. And what’s more, our conversations with…
During 2011, permanent magnet machine manufacturers experienced moments of fear. The prices for rare earth materials were spiraling upwards uncontrollably. Since then, the situation has stabilized to a level slightly higher than before the crisis. But what’s the overall situation right now?
These novel product tankers are not only equipped with a low pressure gas dual fuel 2-stroke main engine but also with the direct-drive PM shaft generator solution provided by WE Tech. The direct-drive permanent magnet shaft generator is connected directly to the propeller shaft, so no step-up gearing is required. Operating modes are economic power…
The Switch will deliver its PM shaft generator for an LNG carrier with a 45,000 m3 cargo capacity.
Soaring fuel prices, global overcapacity and lower profits are forcing shipbuilder to rethink conventional power configurations. How about gaining up to 7% profit per year instead?
Next generation drive trains from The Switch are game changers when it comes to reaching the highest energy efficiency, lowering the costs of operation and helping merchant vessels comply with future environmental legislations. By combining our permanent magnet machine with our frequency converter, ships can stay afloat and profit in the sea of fierce competition.