Electrical propulsion of naval and merchant vessls

Development of the high-power thyristor semiconductor switch and associated conversion systems brought about the current generation of electrical propulsion systems for vessels. Power electronics and motor technologies have been developed to bring about a new generation of electrical propulsion systems. Latest technologies are characterised by high power to weight and volume ratios and improved dynamic performance. Developments in electrical propulsion are summarised with reference to particular vessels, and the future direction to be considered, including hydrodynamic propulsion.