ABB ABB Case note ACS 6000 variable speed drive system for icebreaker improves maneuverability and operability
Summary
The ABB ACS 6000 Variable Speed Drive is a advanced power solution designed to greatly enhance a vessel's maneuverability and operability, particularly in heavy ice conditions. This manual provides comprehensive technical details on the system’s PEBB-based technology, highlighting its full torque capabilities and robust design for demanding marine environments. Ideal for ship designers and naval engineers seeking high-reliability propulsion systems suitable for modern icebreakers and specialized vessels requiring superior performance and minimal operational footprint.
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Case note ACS 6000 variable speed drive system improves icebreaker’s manoeuvrability and operability
The U.S. Coast Guard‘s icebreaker „Great Lakes“ is equipped with ABB’s Azipod® propulsion system.
The propulsion system, which is powered by two 3.25 MW ACS 6000 variable speed drives, improves the vessel‘s manoeuvrability and operability in heavy ice conditions.
U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker „Great Lakes“ is equipped with ABB‘s Azipod® propulsion system and ACS 6000 variable speed drives.
“Mackinaw” U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Highlights After more than 60 years of operation the U.S. Coast Guard Azipod® propulsion system has decided to replace the USCGC MACKINAW with the new Enhanced manoeuvrability and operability multi-mission Great Lakes Icebreaker (GLIB). The vessel’s Design flexibility main area of operation is the Great Lakes in North America, Powered by ACS 6000 variable speed drive spanning more than 1,200 km (750 miles) from west to east. Smooth and full torque over the entire speed range
Compact and lightweight design
Propulsion system Layout flexibility The new icebreaker is equipped with ABB’s Azipod® propul- High immunity to varying climatic conditions sion system, an electric podded propulsion unit capable of Based on ONR supported PEBB technology (Power Elec- unlimited 360-degrees steering. The concept has proven its tronic Building Blocks) performance and efficiency on a number of icebreakers and ice-going vessels.
The Azipod® propulsion system is powered by ABB’s ACS 6000 variable speed drive, which incorporates PEBB (Power Elec- tronic Building Block) technology.
The variable speed electric drive system improves the ves- sel’s manoeuvrability and operability in heavy ice conditions by providing full torque to the propeller motor from zero to nominal speed in both directions.
Page Summary Contents For ABB ABB Case note ACS 6000 variable speed drive system for icebreaker improves maneuverability and operability
Manual Details
| Brand | ACS |
|---|---|
| Pages | 2 |
| File Size | 644.94 KB |
| Published | May 12, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ACS 6000 improve maneuverability in ice conditions?
It provides full torque to the propeller motor from zero to nominal speed in both directions, enhancing operational capability.
What advanced technology was incorporated into the drive for efficiency?
The system utilizes PEBB (Power Electronic Building Block) architecture and IGCTs for reduced size/weight and higher reliability.
What is the standard power range covered by the ACS 6000 family?
It supports modular solutions from 3 MVA up to a fully redundant configuration of more than 27 MW.
How much smaller can the drive be compared to conventional designs?
Using PEBB, the size for a given power rating has been reduced by approximately 50 percent.
What cooling method is required for the converter?
The three-level Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) Converter requires water cooling.