Siemens’ propulsion for Taiwan-built heavylifters

CSBC Corporation Taiwan has chosen Siemens to supply diesel-electric propulsion systems and other accessories for four 65,000-ton semi-submersible deck cargo vessels (SSDCVs).

The country’s largest shipyard is building the vessels for a customer in Singapore. Siemens said that compared to conventional mechanical propulsion technologies, its diesel-electric system will reduce fuel costs by up to 15 percent. Likewise, associated propellers, rudders and thrusters will improve the vessel’s maneuverability when operating at low speeds, the German giant added.

Siemens also said each propulsion system includes an IDS comprising low voltage propulsion motors and frequency converters that facilitate economic, energy-saving vessel operation, as the components are perfectly matched to one another. In order to protect the ocean from unnecessary pollution ballast pump systems will help effectively control and dispose of pollutants, including seawater microbes and settlings, the company added.

The heavy lifters are designed for transportation of heavy loads, such as other vessels, jack-up rigs, floating and non-floating modules. They can be submerged, enabling
cargo to be floated into place without moving it out of the water. Alternatively, they can be loaded without activating the submerge feature.