Marine power electronics company The Switch has signed a contract with Ålesund-based Vard Electro that marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to delivering innovative products for system integrators.
The Switch will supply its DC-Hub technology to multiple vessels on order at Vard Electro, a subsidiary of Fincantieri company Vard, reinforcing its position as an enabler of next-generation maritime electrification. With a total of 15 DC-Hubs to be delivered, the project is said to showcase the increasing demand for flexible and future-proof power distribution systems.
The five diesel-electric hybrid walk-to-work vessels of the Vard 3 32 design will provide maintenance, supply and operational services to platforms in the oil and gas sector. Designed for support operations with a focus on onboard logistics, comfort, large storage capacities and superior operability, these versatile vessels are equipped with a diesel-electric and battery-hybrid propulsion system.
The Switch believes that its DC-Hub is the smartest technology available for multi-megawatt DC distribution systems. From the start, it was designed and optimised for DC distribution, enabling stable and secure operations as well as the integration of new energy sources.
Paul Atherton, GM, The Switch Norway, said: “We are proud to partner with Vard Electro on this ambitious endeavour. 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.”
The Switch DC-Hubs integrate a suite of protection devices, each addressing critical safety and operational continuity challenges. These devices ensure ultrafast performance across all systems by operating within 10 microseconds:
- The electronic DC breaker (EDCB) is a semiconductor-based solution that eliminates faults inside an inverter module, ensuring uninterrupted operation for the rest of the system and enhancing system reliability.
- The electronic bus link (EBL) is a DNV-approved, DP3-rated device that isolates faults between DC-Hubs, protecting onboard power grids by splitting them in microseconds and enabling system redundancy.
- The Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) safeguards against short-circuit faults toward the battery on the DC-Hub end of the cable.
This protection capability should ensure safe and reliable DC power distribution in all sailing conditions, enhancing operational continuity, system redundancy and fault protection. Developed in line with best practices from other industries, these devices are claimed to represent a transformative force in marine electrification, contributing to safer, more efficient and sustainable operations.
Image: Company technician assembling The Switch DC-Hub cabinets (source: The Switch/Blue-C)
