GE’s Power Conversion business has announced the inauguration and roll out of its agreement with Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) to invest in improving the capabilities of the shipping engineering community in China by building laboratory facilities and cooperating on research and innovation projects.
The agreement between GE and SMU, which was first announced in April 2013, provides SMU students with opportunities for internships and training, which could lead to future employment.
GE and SMU are working on finalizing the design of the new marine laboratory facility, which is the first of its kind in China.
The core concept of the laboratory includes a back-to-back design, featuring both GE’s medium-voltage (MV7000) and low-voltage (MV3000) systems in one lab design.
This will include the transformer, drive, motor and other accessories.
The training program will focus on GE’s core technologies and solutions that integrate complete power and propulsion systems, vessel control and automation systems.
Installation of the new marine laboratory is planned to begin in early 2015, with commissioning planned before 2016.
“Environmental demands in China are changing ship design and propulsion technology, and GE’s innovative solutions support the shift to high-value vessels that operate efficiently while reducing emissions and meeting these stringent environmental regulations,” said Joe Mastrangelo, CEO of GE’s Power Conversion business.
“Apart from that, we will invest in China’s next generation of marine propulsion engineers by providing education and training for top-level operation, inspection and maintenance systems.”
SMU is a multidisciplinary university that encompasses such areas as engineering, management, economics, law, liberal arts and science, with a special emphasis on shipping technology, economics and management.
[mappress] Press Release; June 27, 2014