Electric drives from GE for Dalian Shipyard

GE Power Conversion will supply the drive and automation systems for the Goliath cranes at Dalian Shipyard in China.

Dalian Shipyard offers shipbuilding and repair facilities for LNG tankers and container vessels. The new systems will help the shipyard serve the new larger generation of LNG tankers and container vessels.

The control system from GE is used to control both the drive and the crane and is designed to work in severe environmental conditions. The system also has an automatic skew control system (ASCS) control and regulation software, is to to ensure that the two gantry sides, which both have a length around 200 metres, run simultaneously.

The drive system also has a high-overload capability, fault-tolerant design and fast error-tracking capabilities, GE said. It also has a low energy consumption and produces low pollution, the manufacturer continued.

“We’ve been working with GE for 12 years. Their ability to customise drive and automation systems for large cranes is helping support the development of our shipbuilding and repair operations,” said Gao Guo Chun, project manager at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Equipment Manufacturing Co Ltd.

“GE’s technology enables two of these 600 tonne cranes to work simultaneously, enabling the handling of higher loads required for building larger vessels. At the same time, GE’s drive system technology saves significant amounts of energy. Working together with GE helps us continually push the boundaries of shipbuilding.”