The Switch, a leader in marine power electronics, has secured a multimillion-euro contract with Vard Electro to supply DC-Hub technology for multiple vessels. This marks a major advancement in maritime electrification, showcasing growing demand for flexible and future-proof power distribution systems.
DC-Hub Integration in Hybrid Walk-to-Work Vessels
The contract includes the delivery of 15 DC-Hubs for five diesel-electric hybrid walk-to-work vessels of the VARD 3 32 design. These vessels, designed for maintenance and support operations in the oil and gas sector, feature:
- Diesel-electric and battery-hybrid propulsion
- Large storage capacity and superior operability
- Enhanced onboard logistics and crew comfort
This project strengthens The Switch’s role in next-generation maritime electrification by enabling efficient energy management and integration of new power sources.
Market-Leading DC-Hub Technology
The DC-Hub is the world’s smartest DC distribution system, designed for:
- Stable and secure power operations
- Seamless integration of renewable energy sources
- Optimized fuel efficiency and reduced emissions
Paul Atherton, General Manager at The Switch Norway, emphasized the company’s commitment to net-zero emissions, stating:
“We are proud to partner with Vard Electro on this ambitious endeavor. This contract underscores our expertise in marine electrification and strengthens our mission to accelerate the switch toward net-zero emissions. The Switch’s DC-Hubs provide a scalable and efficient power distribution solution, allowing vessels to optimize energy sources, improve reliability and smoothly transition to greener technologies.”
Unmatched Safety with Cutting-edge Protection
The Switch DC-Hubs incorporate groundbreaking protection devices to ensure ultrafast fault detection and system reliability:
- Electronic DC Breaker (EDCB) – Eliminates faults inside the inverter module, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Electronic Bus Link (EBL) – A DNV-approved DP3-rated device that isolates faults between DC-Hubs within 10 microseconds, ensuring power grid redundancy.
- Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) – Prevents short-circuit faults towards the battery on the DC-Hub end.
This revolutionary protection suite enhances safety, reliability, and operational continuity, making DC power distribution safer and more efficient under all sailing conditions.
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Source: THE SWITCH
