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GE's Power Conversion business has confirmed that it has received a new order from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. for electric power and propulsion systems for two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

The LNG carriers are to be built for the purpose of transporting LNG from Louisiana, USA. Their construction is scheduled to be completed between 2017 and 2018.

"From the perspective of improved performance, electric propulsion technology is optimal for LNG carriers. GE's robustly simple induction-based propulsion motor technology and high output power pulse width modulation (PWM) technology improve reliability and help lower maintenance costs for vessels," GE said in a statement.

Paul English, Marine Business Leader, GE Power Conversion, remarked: "GE has demonstrated a low risk solution to KHI, showing professionalism in the execution plan and a high standard of quality control of their equipment which is the result of extensive experience in the supply of 65 Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) drive systems with induction technology for LNG carriers over the last decade. GE is happy to forge this new partnership with a key player in the Marine industry showing its future commitment to Japanese customers."

The technology that GE Power Conversion has introduced to the maritime industry is currently used for military, offshore vessels and cruise ships, which require optimum performance and power output in the several megawatt classes for electric power and propulsion efficiency.

Induction motor technology for the maritime industry was developed 16 years ago by GE Power Conversion for the U.S., UK, and French navies.

GE Power Conversion was the first company to deliver an electric propulsion motor system for the LNG vessel Gaz de France Energy in 2002, and has since been providing electric propulsion system equipment for LNG vessels for more than a decade. Since January 2012, it has won contracts to supply induction-based propulsion motor technology for 28 LNG carriers.

"This order is based on the result of Kawasaki Heavy Industries' evaluation of GE's induction motor technology and its extensive track record. While GE has many achievements abroad, this is the first order that we have received in Japan. We would like to seize this opportunity and deploy more proactive business initiatives in Japan," said Yoichi Yamaki, Regional Manager, GE Power Conversion.