Commissioning of Leroy Somer MD2S-600T-B 450KW Variable Speed Drive used as E-Drive propulsion on the Greenpeace Esperanza Vessel.

The Vessel -Esperanza

“For over 20 years, the Esperanza was the largest and swiftest ship in the Greenpeace fleet.

Built in 1984 in Gdansk, Poland, the former Russian firefighting vessel was acquired by Greenpeace in 2000 and conducted operations on whaling, nuclear transport, illegal fishing, illegal logging, scientific research and climate and energy. Its high speeds and ice-class credentials meant it was also used for polar expeditions high-speeds pursuits and for reaching places few others could. Until retirement in late 2021-22, the Esperanza launched solar-powered aircraft, helicopters and submarines and carried the light of ‘Hope’ all over the world.”

Electric propulsion systems utilize electrical power to drive propeller blades for propulsion. From commercial and research ships through to fishing vessels, over recent years, electric propulsion has gained momentum in a wide range of marine applications across Europe and in Japan

The Esperanza vessel was fitted with a new Powerdrive MD2 variable speed drive for their electric propulsion system(E-Drive) while in the Netherlands. Assistance was required in the setup and commissioning of the drive when the vessel arrived in Cpae Town Harbour. SK Technologies being a trusted partner for Control Techniques(now part of the NIDEC Group of companies) was contacted to assist with the successful commissioning of the unit.