Drives News

The demand for “thrusters” on recreational and commercial vessels has increased rapidly in recent years, providing vessels with enhanced capabilities.Increasing a vessel’s manoeuvrability, making its steering more precise, to accurately control course and position offers greater versatility. New markets are opening to take advantage of new horizons with commercial opportunities.Thruster operation may be manual by the helmsman or part of a Propulsion Management System (PMS). If integrated with an autopilot, its operation relieves the constant hands-on duty for one crew member.

Finland-based Danfoss Drives is supplying variable-speed AC drives for the propulsion systems of the Finnish Navy’s four Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes. Part of the Finnish Defense Squadron 2020 project, these corvettes are under construction at Rauma Marine Constructions’ (RMC) shipyard in Rauma, Finland. These AC drives are engineered to withstand the demanding naval environment and comply with stringent requirements for environmental resilience, shock resistance, electromagnetic compatibility…

The passenger ferry M/S Suomenlinna II has become the first ship to be retrofitted with ABB’s new-generation ACS880LC drive. The drive technology will enhance vessel efficiency and help to secure smooth and reliable operations for many years to come.As one of three ferries operated by Helsinki City Transport subsidiary Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy, the 33.8-meter-long Suomenlinna II serves the Market Square–Suomenlinna route year-round. An integral part of the Helsinki public transport system…

Bosch Rexroth has appointed Erwin Wieckowski, P.Eng. as the new President and CEO of Bosch Rexroth North and Central America based in Charlotte, NC, effective October 1, 2023.The role has been performed on an interim basis by Reinhard Schaefer in addition to his role as a member of the Divisional Board of Management with responsibility for Manufacturing. Schaefer will remain in the region to support the transition.“We are thrilled to have Erwin join our organization,” said Schaefer.

Danfoss Power Solutions said its Editron division has been chosen to provide drivetrain systems for three hybrid passenger ferries that will operate on the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany. German shipyard Schiffbau- u. Entwicklungsgesellschaft Tangermünde mbH (SET) will build the vessels for Hamburg transportation company HADAG, expanding its fleet to 29 ships.Hamburg’s passenger ferry service is integral to its public transportation offering. With eight routes stopping at 20 different piers, the ferries are used by approximately 9 million passengers annually.