The Switch, a Finland-based supplier of permanent magnet shaft generators, has received its 500th shaft generator order, which the company says demonstrates its role in supporting the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, more efficient shipping.
Jussi Puranen, Product Line Director, Electric Machines, said: “Reaching 500 orders is a milestone not just for The Switch, but for the shipping industry as a whole. Every shaft generator we deliver directly reduces CO₂ emissions, helping shipowners cut fuel consumption and comply with tightening environmental regulations. This number reflects both our customers’ commitment to sustainability and our team’s dedication to cost-effective, tailor-made engineering. Considering that we delivered our first shaft generator only 10 years ago, it also shows how fast the green transition in shipping is taking place.”
Shaft generators harness the main engine’s power to produce electricity for a vessel’s onboard systems, significantly reducing reliance on auxiliary diesel generators that run with lower fuel efficiency. Permanent magnet shaft generators improve fuel efficiency and cut GHG emissions, making them a key technology toward meeting the IMO target of achieving net-zero emissions by around 2050.
Permanent magnet shaft generators are estimated to cut carbon emissions compared to conventional shaft generators with electric excitation by over 100,000t/yr CO2e. The savings are considered even greater compared to conventional genset-based systems – over 600,000t CO2e annually.
Over 300 The Switch permanent magnet shaft generators are fully operational, serving a fleet including container ships, gas carriers, bulk carriers, tankers and car carriers. These have accumulated more than 5m operating hours with no vessel downtime due to failures.
The Switch invests in R&D to further improve the efficiency and reliability of its solutions so that shipowners stay ahead of evolving environmental standards.
Miika Reinikka, CEO, The Switch, said: “Field-proven technologies like permanent magnet shaft generators are vital stepping stones as the industry navigates toward a net-zero future. We are proud to help our end customers sail more sustainably and look forward to celebrating the next 500 deliveries.”
Image: The Switch offers a range of permanent magnet marine machines.
