OREANDA-NEWS. The Antarctic remains one of the least understood and underexplored regions on our planet. It is also the most inhospitable and fragile. When Peru announced that it soon would join the countries taking part in research activities there, it was crucial that their research vessel currently under construction be among the most reliable and efficient while having the smallest environmental impact possible. To accomplish this feat, Freire Shipyard turned to GE (NYSE: GE) to provide a suite of marine solutions including the electric power and propulsion system coupled with SeaStream* Dynamic Positioning (DP) and automation system. 

The vessel is being built in Vigo at the Freire Shipyard that specializes in building research vessels and with which GE has had a long-standing relationship. Once ready, this vessel will be used by the Peruvian Navy to carry out research in the Polar Regions.

GE’s Marine Solutions business’ extensive experience in the marine industry means it is able to address stringent technical challenges while simultaneously bringing the best value to the shipyard and the Peruvian Navy. One vital element required by the Navy is a lower underwater noise. Thanks to GE’s anti-vibration motor, the electric propulsion system will help meet the DNV GL’s maritime Silent-A Class notation, crucial in enabling the vessel to perform research tasks effectively.

“GE’s expertise and ability to deliver innovative technology will help to make this research vessel among one of the most advanced in the world. Their extensive experience positioned them as a natural partner for this project. Furthermore, as this vessel will venture out into the least hospitable environment on the planet, it was important for us to choose a solution that has an excellent record of reliability and a partner with a global capacity to provide local service. GE’s technology and the people that stand behind it convinced us. GE’s cost-effective offerings and commitment to successfully deliver high-quality solutions on a tight schedule have been remarkable to say the least. We are impressed with the company’s technical capabilities and are excited to have GE’s support in this project,” said Guillermo Freire, general manager, Freire Shipyard.

GE’s Marine Solutions business’ low-voltage electric propulsion system – including generators, switchboard, MV3000 variable frequency drives and motors – is known for its fuel efficiency and its high redundancy rate. GE will also provide its high technology art SeaStream* DP and automation solution to complete the package.

The low-voltage electric propulsion system, together with GE’s SeaStream* DP, will allow for further reduction in fuel consumption. GE’s electrical solution allows systems to stand by, which results in lower fuel consumption and ultimately can help to reduce cost significantly. The offered system can be upgraded with remote diagnostic systems if needed in the future.

“GE’s vast experience in providing similar solutions has allowed us to help the Peruvian Navy build an advanced research ship that will operate efficiently, reliably and with minimal environmental impact even in the most hostile environments. We are proud to be a part of this project, which satisfactorily meets the demands of our customer and as a result, enhances our ongoing relationship with Freire Shipyard,” said Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions business. “We are committed to continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and meeting the future challenges of the industry.”

In providing solutions to the Peruvian Navy, GE is successfully building upon the experience it has gathered from providing similar solutions to, among others, the Department of Environmental Affairs of South Africa and from its participation in building “Pourquoi Pas,” the French research vessel.

* Indicates a trademark of the General Electric Company and/or its subsidiaries.