Electric Fin Stabilizers: Stable, quiet and highly efficient

In collaboration with Siemens, SKF Marine has developed and brought to market the first generation of electrically operated fin stabilizers. Initial findings from the test operation confirm the clear advantages of the innovative electric drive: Compared to hydraulic solutions, the systems are vibration-free and significantly quieter, require less space and enable higher energy efficiency.

Whether it's a ferry, frigate or luxury yacht, fin stabilizers are increasingly being used on ships today – not only to increase cruising comfort, but also to reduce fuel consumption in heavy seas. Since fin stabilizers have so far been operated almost exclusively hydraulically, their use is characterized by the classic side effects: noise, waste heat and pressure-related wear. All of this must be avoided on the high seas and especially at zero speed.

For these reasons, in 2018, Hamburg-based marine chandler SKF Marine began developing an electrical solution for the operation of fin stabilizers – initially for the non-swivel fin stabilizers of the FZ type, which can be used both at cruising and at zero speed. This widely used type is available in fin sizes from 2.7 m² to 12.4 m², which corresponds to a maximum buoyancy force of 32 t – enormous forces that come primarily from the ship's movement when cruising and primarily from the propulsion system at zero speed.

To overcome these challenges, the SKF Marine team first chose a high-performance permanent magnet synchronous motor and then experimented with different concepts for motor control and power supply. "As part of this work, we actively approached our long-standing partner Siemens Industry and quickly got in touch with the right specialists," says Dr. Jörg Grabbel, Senior Manager Control and Propulsion, Stabilizers and Rowing Machines at SKF Marine. Together with the experts for drive technology and the smart power management team from Siemens Industry, Dr. Grabbel's team developed a solution for fin sizes of 8 m² within just six months, which is already being implemented in three new construction projects. "The foundation of this new development," says Sven Ropers, Senior Sales Manager of Siemens Digital Industry, "was the long-standing cooperation between our companies. When it comes to control and switchgear technology, SKF Marine has been successfully relying on Siemens Digital Industry products in many areas for some time. This has now also been extended to the drive area."