Electrification plays an important role in addressing the environmental challenges facing the maritime sector, and electric propulsion is the key component in this transition.
Energy-efficient propulsion, which encompasses both efficient drivetrain and less weight, will contribute to meeting environmental challenges, while providing unwavering reliability for the operators.
Cleaner propulsion solutions
Ease of integration and maintenance helps streamline system design and installation, crucial factors in speeding up the adoption of cleaner propulsion solutions across the maritime sector.
ABB promotes the adoption of advanced motor technologies in the rail, marine, and eMobility sectors through the Traction & Mobile e-Power Motors business unit. The team designs and delivers both components and complete propulsion systems for railway as well as off-highway machines and marine markets.
IMO’s 2050 net-zero goals
ABB helps the IMO’s 2050 net-zero goals by advancing marine electrification via innovations
“The energy-efficient solutions we've developed are enabling compact, reliable electric propulsion in marine applications exemplified by our new AMXE Marine Motor, engineered specifically to meet the harsh demands and specific requirements of the marine market and environment,” says Henrik T. Nilsson, Global Sales Manager for Traction & Mobile e-Power Motors.
ABB supports the IMO’s 2050 net-zero goals by advancing marine electrification through innovations like the AMXE Marine Motor and advanced motor control technologies.
Conventional propulsion systems
This compact, high-power-density AMXE Marine Motor is designed for small to mid-sized electric and hybrid vessels and open deck applications, offering high efficiency, low weight and excellent performance in a durable frame designed to sustain marine environments.
By replacing conventional propulsion systems, the AMXE enables cleaner, more sustainable vessel operations. ABB’s global expertise, service network, and complementary technologies further enhance marine efficiency and decarbonisation, says Nilsson. These solutions help shipbuilders and operators meet sustainability targets and transition toward low emission.
ABB’s expertise in the marine industry
AMXE Marine Motor, which ABB gave at Nor-Shipping in June, uses technologies set for off-highway equipment
“ABB is pioneering the way in developing cutting-edge solutions to help the marine transport industry achieve net-zero goals,” says Nilsson. “By consistently innovating and working closely with industry partners, ABB is delivering the technologies and expertise needed to steer the industry towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
The AMXE Marine Motor, which ABB presented at Nor-Shipping in June, uses technologies developed for off-highway equipment, such as mining trucks or electric buses, combined with a durable design that encompasses ABB’s expertise in the marine industry.
ABB’s motor portfolio
This resulted in a motor with the highest power density in ABB’s motor portfolio, delivering more power with less weight and space. It is housed in a frame that is compliant with industry standards, including corrosion protection to withstand tough environments.
Pairing the motor with ABB inverters like the HES880 Mobile Inverter creates efficient, responsive propulsion systems designed to meet the demands of the next generation of electric and hybrid vessels.
ABB’s HES880 Mobile
Designed for harsh climates, ABB’s HES880 Mobile rugged, liquid-cooled inverter offers high efficiency
The new AMXE Marine Motor offers the highest power density in ABB’s motor portfolio. Its lightweight, compact design makes it more energy-efficient than traditional combustion systems. When paired with ABB drives, it helps to lower energy consumption, boost performance, and reduce operational costs.
Designed for harsh environments, ABB’s HES880 Mobile rugged, liquid-cooled inverter offers high efficiency, IP67 protection and a corrosion-resistant enclosure. Its multifunctional use, maintenance-free build, and compact design make it suitable for electrifying heavy-duty applications like vessels.
ABB’s experience in marine applications
Drawing on ABB’s experience in mining, rail, and marine applications, the AMXE Marine Motor is built to deliver long-lasting, high-performance operation in tough maritime environments. It's fully enclosed water-cooled design reduces noise while enhancing comfort and reliability.
Engineered with a robust well-proven insulation system, and a design that supports the installation needs of the marine industry, it ensures a long lifetime and ease of installation in most marine applications as well as machine rooms with limited space.
AMXE Marine Motor
Key stakeholders in transitioning to electrical marine applications include shipbuilders, vessel operators
The AMXE Marine Motor has undertaken extensive validation testing, including IP, shock and vibration, corrosion resistant and validated the insulation system to comply with IVIC Class C.
Key stakeholders in transitioning to electrical marine applications include shipbuilders, vessel operators, technology providers like ABB, and regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) together with the harbours that need to provide the primary charging infrastructure.
Electric propulsion systems
Shipbuilders integrate electric propulsion systems into vessel designs, while operators adopt and manage these technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Regulators drive industry adoption by setting the decarbonisation targets, like the IMO’s 2050 net-zero goal, driving industry adoption.
Possibly the biggest challenge for companies looking to decarbonise is uncertainty around the availability and cost of alternative future energy modes. This is probably less of an issue with electrification than other alternative fuels.
Availability of electricity
Transitioning to electric drivetrains can help lower operating costs, increase efficiency and performance
Transitioning to electric drivetrains can help lower operating costs, increase efficiency and performance, and reduce environmental impact. In general, the availability of electricity is more stable, even if work remains in the charging infrastructure for the marine market.
The technologies for electric drivetrain on ships are already available and proven effective. Through continue collaboration with the stakeholders in the marine industry, a more sustainable future is possible.
Decarbonisation objectives
“It was great to be able to meet our customers, engage at Nor-Shipping in meaningful conversations and showcase ABB’s solutions for the marine industry,” says Nilsson. “The event theme ‘Future-Proof’ focused on sustainable solutions and innovations for the future of the maritime sector."
Nilsson added: "The theme aligned with the launch of ABB’s AMXE Marine Motor. We are thrilled to provide future-proof solutions that help customers meet their decarbonisation objectives. Being relatively new in the marine industry myself, I was impressed at Nor-Shipping by the openness to new technologies and the deep understanding in the industry of how these new technologies can address current and future challenges.”
