Technology company ABB has received an order to supply its permanent magnet shaft generator systems for containerships of China-based Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou).

Under the contract, ten Cosco boxships will be installed with the ABB technology.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, the order includes the supply of systems for six 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) vessels and four 16,000 TEU vessels.

From January 2023, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will implement new regulatory standards, Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

ABB’s permanent magnet shaft generator systems are expected to support Cosco vessels attain needed efficiency levels and CII ratings that verify reduced GHG emissions.

Compared to traditional and synchronous excitation-based shaft generator systems, shaft generators with permanent magnet technology are said to deliver 3%-4% higher efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and an up to 20% smaller footprint.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

This technology, along with ABB’s advanced ACS 880 drive, will help enhance fuel efficiency by 1%, said the company.

Permanent magnet shaft generators offer up to 17% more fuel efficiency during voyages compared to auxiliary diesel generator sets.

ABB Marine & Ports dry cargo global segment manager Michael Christensen said: “ABB has been supporting China’s maritime industry for almost two decades, and we are proud to collaborate with COSCO Shipping, the country’s largest shipping company, in this breakthrough project.

“As we continue to develop our local capabilities to better serve our customers and help them achieve their sustainability targets, our permanent magnet technology will have an important role to play.”

Last month, ABB secured a contract for the delivery of a shaft generator system with permanent magnet technology for two CO₂-storage vessels to be constructed by the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC).

      

Ship Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Ship Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
From automated chartering invoices to EU ETS and CII management, Ankeri Solutions’ maritime SaaS platform has earned three Ship Technology Excellence Awards for 2025. See how Ankeri is helping shipowners and charterers boost efficiency, cut emissions, and collaborate better across complex global fleets.

Discover the Impact