Siemens has been chosen by Taiwanese CSBC Corporation to supply diesel-electric propulsion systems for four 65,000-ton semi-submersible[ds_preview] deck cargo vessels (SSDCVs). The country’s largest shipyard is building the vessels for a customer in Singapore. According to Siemens the diesel-electric system will reduce fuel costs by up to 15% due to unique power management features compared with conventional mechanical propulsion technologies. Likewise, associated propellers, rudders and thrusters will improve the vessel’s manoeuvrability when operating at low speeds. Siemens will supply the complete diesel-electric propulsion systems for all four SSDCVs, to be delivered by the end of 2017. Each system, consisting of four 4,000 kW low-voltage Simotics motors and four low-voltage Sinamics frequency converters as well as their corresponding transformers, constitutes an Integrated Drive System (IDS). The scope of supply for each vessel further includes 6,980 kW main generators, medium-voltage switchboards, power management systems, converters and transformers for ballast pumps as well as distribution transformers, a controllable pitch propeller, flap rudder and a bow and stern tunnel thruster.M
