 Electric propulsion systems utilize electrical power to drive propeller blades for

propulsion. From commercial and research ships through to fishing vessels, over recent
years, electric propulsion has gained momentum in a wide range of marine applications
across Europe and in Japan. Our power system offers improved economic and environmental
performance, with robust reliability and reduced life cycle costs, with consideration
for the environment. At Yanmar we handle all areas relating to the electric propulsion
system from engine design and manufacture to making hull design improvements.

 Electric Propulsion System Overview

 A Propulsion System That Outrivals Conventional Propulsion
Engines in Efficiency and Functionality
 In conventional power system arrangements, the ship’s propellers are driven by a diesel
propulsion engine while the supply of electricity for the other shipboard loads is transmitted via
the shipboard generators. In electric propulsion systems, the power used to drive the propellers
becomes an electrical load meaning that the generators can take care of all shipboard loads. As
shown in the diagram below, 3 generator-drive engines are referred to as the "ship’s electric
power station" supplying power for both propulsion and electrical requirements on board.

 Engine Dry weight with flywheel and gearbox=1000kg(approx.)

We managed to list the main advantage of the electrical propulsion system. They are
follows:

 The system generates a significant amount of power is generated by the system and
the excess power utilized by supplying it to cargo pumps, fire pumps and other
important auxiliary machinery
 The space required for installation of electrical propulsion machinery is very less and
compact as compared to conventional system.
 There is no direct connection of propeller shaft and prime mover, and hence
transmission of severe stresses such as torsional and vibration is restricted.
 There is more flexibility in installation of machinery.
 It provides improved maneuverability and high redundancy
 Increased payload through flexible location of machinery components
 Environmental benefits from lower fuel consumption and emissions
 High performance in harsh ice conditions due to maximum torque at zero speed
 Reduces life cycle cost by less fuel consumption and maintenance cost
 Minimal standstill time for maintenance and service.
 Vessels with potential trim problems, such as stern wheelers, where machinery needs
to be located forward to avoid trim problems.
 Better comfort due to reduced vibration and noise
 Much better dynamic response from zero to maximum propelling speed compared to
other propulsion systems
 Less reversing time compared to other propulsion systems
 Availability of maximum torque across the entire speed range at the propeller.
 Reduced space requirements in the shaft system.
 Design and engineering of the propeller are independent of the drive.
 Flexibility in the choice of diesel engine speed.

Yes, there are disadvantages of this system as well. They are:

 The efficiency of the electrical plant is less than that of a conventional system.
 The installation cost of electrical propulsion plant is much higher.
 Different and improved training for ship’s crew as the system is completely different from
mechanical system and involves major automation.

Putting advantages and disadvantages side by side, we can confidently say that the
former easily surpasses the later ones. From a long term perspective, we feel
that electric propulsion will not be a bad bet, keeping in mind the amount of initial
investment that needs to be made, and which we think will definitely pay-off at a later
stage.