For conventional container ships, onboard electrical equipment is typically powered at a low voltage level – 440V or less. As container ships have become larger, however, the total amount of electricity required has grown, calling for 6.6kV or higher-voltage power systems onboard. As a result, installation of up to eight large-capacity transformers to convert high voltages into low voltages has become inevitable.

The new HHI approach uses multi-grid power systems to lower the capacity of each system, allowing low-voltage power distribution to replace the existing high-voltage power distribution. No voltage conversion means there is no requirement for the large transformers weighing up to 64 tons in aggregate that would otherwise be loaded onto the ship, allowing for an extra loader capacity of 60 FEU thanks to better space utilization.

Maritime Business World