Converteam to equip DEA Research vessel

Belfort, 26 February 2010 - Converteam has recently been awarded an order by STX Finland Oy for South Africa Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to equip a Polar Supply and Research Vessel with an integrated package including electric power & propulsion system and vessel automation.

The vessel will function as a multi-purpose vessel, serving, among other things, as a supply vessel, research vessel, icebreaker, expedition vessel, as well as a passenger ship. The ship will carry scientists and research equipment for the South African National Antarctic Program in the sea area between South Africa, the Antarctic islands and the Antarctica. The ice-strengthened vessel will be approximately 134 meters long and it will have accommodation for a crew of 45 and some 100 researchers or passengers. It will be built in Rauma and will be delivered in spring 2012.

Converteam will supply a transformerless solution including two induction propulsion motors, each 4.5MW – 140rpm supplied by PWM MV7000 converters. Thanks to the “multi drive” architecture, the propulsion converters will also supply the side thrusters motors. This technology allows an increase in efficiency and availability of the propulsive chain, space and weight savings / reduced footprint (no more propulsion transformer) and lower maintenance time and costs. Converteam’s scope also includes the C-Series Vessel Control System comprising the power management system (PMS), the centralized power plant and alarms management, and the ship, machinery and auxiliary systems.

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