Cleaner power for ships and ports
The VACON® NXP Grid Converter is an alternative source of marine power technology that plays a key role in reducing fuel intake and improving efficiency. It can be applied to power generation for ship engines and harbor power supplies to meet the demands of governments and port authorities.
When used with a shore-supply solution, VACON NXP Grid Converter allows electrical power to be sourced from the local grid via a set of cables, rather than the ship’s main engine or generators. This process, sometimes known as ‘cold ironing’, has a significantly positive impact on fuel economy. It causes reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions, as well as noise and vibration levels.
VACON NXP Grid Converter can also be applied to shaft-generator solutions, ensuring that propulsion machinery is able to operate at various speeds. The shaft generator decouples shaft RPMs from the electricity (frequency) which allows better electrical quality and improved fuel economy. Additionally, power can either be taken from or entered into the propeller shaft. This is particularly useful for ships that often alternate their speeds as it creates fuel savings and minimizes exhaust emissions by up to 15%. It also creates an emergency mode meaning that the vessel can operate even if the main engine fails.
Smart grid converter
VACON NXP Grid Converter for smart grids improves stability in the grid by supporting a diverse range of energy generators and energy storage systems. By enabling peak shaving, it in turn reduces the capital investment required for grid infrastructure. It is certified for grid code compliance in a wide range of countries, for fast system certification for system integrators.
Shore supply power conversion
When used with a shore-supply solution, VACON NXP Grid Converter allows electrical power to be sourced from the local grid, rather than the ship’s main engine or generators. This process, sometimes known as ‘cold ironing’, has a significantly positive impact on fuel economy. It causes reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions, as well as noise and vibration levels.
Shaft generator
VACON NXP Grid Converter can also be applied to shaft-generator solutions, ensuring that propulsion machinery is able to operate at various speeds. The shaft generator decouples the shaft from the mains, which allows better electrical quality and improved fuel economy. Additionally, power can either be taken from or entered into the propeller shaft. This is particularly useful for ships that often alternate their speeds as it creates fuel savings and minimizes exhaust emissions by up to 15%. It also creates an emergency mode meaning that the vessel can operate even if the main engine fails.
Support for system integrators
Danfoss supports system integrators (SI) in designing their systems to bid on projects. Our aim is to help customers by providing tools and reference designs to make their system design easier. For instance, Danfoss can provide configurable 3D models as well as 2D general arrangement drawings from our product offering.

Endorsed by the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions as a Solar Impulse Efficient Solution.
The 1000 Efficient Solutions comprise the very best the world has to offer in clean and profitable solutions to protect the environment. VACON® NXP Grid Converter was assessed on the criteria of viability, deployability, and sustainability.
Features and benefits
Reduced fuel consumption as electrical power can be sourced from the grid
Lower CO2, NOx and SOx emissions as the main engine can be shut down
Conforms to ABS and DNV standards
Improved energy efficiency as engine speed can be optimized
Liquid and air cooled solutions available
Facilitates fast system certification for distributed smart grids, thanks to compliance with global grid codes
Protects critical industrial processes with Intelligent DC backup
Simplified logistics and good protection with containerized solutions
Faster, more cost effective engineering thanks to reference designs
Facilitates active and reactive load sharing via droop function
Supply voltages and power range
Air cooled:
- 3 x 380-500 V...180-1100 kW
- 3 x 525-690 V...200-1200 kW
Liquid cooled:
- 3 x 400-500 V...160-1800 kW
- 3 x 525-690 V...210-1800 kW

Reducing port emissions
Discover how shore supply systems equipped with VACON® NXP Grid Converter help port authorities meet emission targets
Order VACON® NXP literature
Documents
Type | Name | Language | Valid for | Updated | Download | File type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Case story | Abeking and Rasmussen WSV | English | Multiple | 01 Dec, 2021 | 517.3 KB | |
Case story | Abeking and Rasmussen WSV | English | Multiple | 01 Jul, 2021 | 6.3 MB | |
Case story | Astrid_Helene | English | Multiple | 20 Mar, 2019 | 439.1 KB | |
Case story | Bore Sea RoFlex freight vessel | English | Multiple | 27 May, 2016 | 369.7 KB | |
Certificate | CCS_Type_Approval | English | Multiple | 22 Dec, 2022 | 260.0 KB | |
Brochure | Danfoss Drives Product Overview | English | Multiple | 20 Mar, 2019 | 1.7 MB | |
Brochure | Danfoss Drives Product Overview | English | United States | 01 Nov, 2019 | 1.5 MB | |
Fact sheet | Documentation Information Leaflet | English | Multiple | 01 Oct, 2019 | 340.7 KB | |
Fact sheet | DrivePro® Coverage | English | United States | 13 Jul, 2017 | 322.4 KB | |
Case story | DrivePro® Remote Monitoring | English | Multiple | 01 Dec, 2021 | 793.2 KB | |
Fact sheet | DrivePro® Remote Monitoring | English | Multiple | 12 Feb, 2018 | 769.6 KB | |
Case story | Future of the Fjords catamaran | English | Multiple | 09 Apr, 2019 | 482.1 KB | |
Design guide | Grid Converter for Smart Grid Appl. DG | English | Multiple | 01 Sep, 2019 | 6.8 MB | |
Case story | Grotte_Fanø_2Pager | English | Multiple | 01 Dec, 2021 | 3.9 MB | |
Case story | Grotte_Fanø_4Pager | English | Multiple | 01 Dec, 2021 | 1.1 MB | |
Fact sheet | Hybridization | English | Multiple | 01 Sep, 2019 | 2.4 MB | |
Fact sheet | Hybridization | English | United States | 01 Nov, 2019 | 2.3 MB | |
Certificate | ISO 9001 Drives BV 500F1065en | English | Multiple | 01 Jan, 2019 | 627.9 KB | |
Case story | JeffriesGroup EfW plant_Full case | English | Multiple | 01 May, 2022 | 711.4 KB | |
Case story | JeffriesGroup EfW plant_Mobile case | English | Multiple | 01 May, 2022 | 3.4 MB | |
Case story | JeffriesGroup EfW plant_Short case | English | Multiple | 01 May, 2022 | 531.4 KB | |
Brochure | Marine and Offshore solutions | English | United States | 29 May, 2018 | 9.1 MB | |
Case story | NES Ferry Norway 2 Page | English | Multiple | 01 Mar, 2022 | 1.9 MB | |
Case story | NES Ferry Norway Mobile case | English | Multiple | 01 Mar, 2022 | 8.0 MB | |
Case story | NES_Ferry_Norway_Full_case | English | Multiple | 01 Mar, 2022 | 608.5 KB | |
Case story | Nuvera Fuel Cells | English | Multiple | 01 Jan, 2022 | 510.5 KB | |
Case story | QINOUS energy storage | English | Multiple | 16 Jul, 2019 | 699.3 KB | |
Brochure | Shore Power Supply Flyer | English | Multiple | 01 Feb, 2021 | 290.0 KB | |
Design guide | Shore Supply Design Guide | English | Multiple | 01 Sep, 2019 | 2.0 MB | |
Brochure | Smart grids - power conversion | English | Multiple | 01 Dec, 2019 | 3.5 MB | |
Brochure | Smart grids - power conversion | English | Multiple | 01 Jan, 2020 | 3.5 MB | |
Case story | STX Engine South Korea | English | Multiple | 01 Mar, 2021 | 473.5 KB | |
Application guide | The new network - smart grids | English | Multiple | 01 Apr, 2019 | 2.4 MB | |
Installation guide | VACON NX LCL Filter Lifting Instructions | English | Multiple | 16 Sep, 2022 | 344.2 KB | |
Brochure | VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide | English | United States | 12 May, 2016 | 860.4 KB | |
Brochure | VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide | English | Multiple | 01 Mar, 2016 | 639.2 KB | |
Fact sheet | VACON® Advanced Safety Options | English | Multiple | 12 Jul, 2019 | 231.9 KB | |
Design guide | VACON® Hybridization Design Guide | English | Multiple | 01 Jan, 2017 | 3.8 MB | |
User guide | VACON® NX Brake Resistor User Manual | English | Multiple | 01 Dec, 2016 | 4.2 MB | |
Installation guide | VACON® NX Door Keypad Mounting Instr. | English | Multiple | 17 Feb, 2023 | 2.6 MB | |
Installation guide | VACON® NX Door Keypad Mounting Instr. | English | Multiple | 17 Feb, 2023 | 2.6 MB | |
User guide | VACON® NX Filters User Manual | English | Multiple | 01 Aug, 2020 | 1.7 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V133 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 May, 2019 | 0.0 B | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V164 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 Jun, 2021 | 1.6 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvGGC ARFIF106V128 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 Jun, 2021 | 2.6 MB | |
User guide | VACON® NXP Liquid Cooled Dr. User Manual | English | Multiple | 14 Feb, 2023 | 22.3 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP Power Gener ARFIFF08V040 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 Aug, 2019 | 1.4 MB | |
Case story | Winton geothermal power plant | English | Multiple | 01 Aug, 2020 | 503.6 KB |
Software
Type | Name | Language | Updated | Version | Status | Download | File type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fieldbus Firmware | VACON® Advanced Safety Option Firmware | 16 Dec, 2019 | 004 | RL | 3.1 MB | ZIP | |
Software Tools | VACON® NCDrive | 08 Mar, 2022 | 2.0.42 | RL | 5.0 MB | ZIP | |
Software Tools | VACON® NCIPConfig | 19 Dec, 2018 | 1.6.5.7 | RL | 672.6 KB | ZIP | |
Software Tools | VACON® NCLoad | 04 Dec, 2020 | 1.0.34 | RL | 3.6 MB | ZIP | |
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® NX OPTC3/C5 PROFIBUS GSD | 11 Jan, 2016 | RL | 748.0 B | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® NX OPTC4 LonWorks XIF | 11 Jan, 2016 | RL | 1.3 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® NX OPTC6 CANopen EDS | 27 Feb, 2018 | RL | 2.7 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® NX OPTC7 DeviceNet EDS | 01 Jan, 2012 | RL | 3.5 KB | ZIP | ||
VACON® NX OPTCP PROFINET GSDML | 19 Feb, 2015 | RL | 7.4 KB | ZIP | |||
Application Software | VACON® NXP Grid Converter Application | 03 Jul, 2023 | 189 | RL | 2.7 MB | ZIP | |
VACON® OPTCQ EtherNet/IP EDS | 08 Jan, 2015 | RL | 13.2 KB | ZIP | |||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTE3/E5 PROFIBUS GSD | 08 Jun, 2022 | RL | 13.4 KB | ZIP | ||
PLC LIBRARIES | VACON® OPTE3/E5 TIA Portal Library | 08 Jul, 2020 | 014 | RL | 3.6 MB | ZIP | |
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTE9 EtherNet/IP EDS | 03 Sep, 2020 | RL | 72.1 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTE9 PROFINET IO GSDML | 03 Apr, 2020 | RL | 204.3 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTE9 SIMATIC PDM EDD | 16 Dec, 2019 | RL | 667.4 KB | ZIP | ||
PLC LIBRARIES | VACON® OPTE9-EA TIA Portal Library | 16 Feb, 2018 | RL | 2.9 MB | ZIP | ||
PLC LIBRARIES | VACON® OPTE9/EA EtherNet/IP AOI | 16 Feb, 2018 | RL | 531.9 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Firmware | VACON® OPTEA Adv. DualPort Eth. Firmware | 03 Apr, 2023 | 007 | RL | 7.2 MB | ZIP | |
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTEA EtherNet/IP EDS | 13 Nov, 2018 | RL | 54.0 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTEA PROFINET IO GSDML | 08 Feb, 2021 | RL | 209.2 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTEA SIMATIC PDM EDD | 13 Nov, 2018 | RL | 461.7 KB | ZIP | ||
Fieldbus Configuration Files | VACON® OPTEC EtherCAT ESI | 20 Feb, 2020 | RL | 381.4 KB | ZIP | ||
Software Tools | VACON® Safe | 25 Jan, 2021 | 1.0.4.0 | RL | 3.8 MB | ZIP |
Related applications
Shaft generators and shore-supply systems.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Drives for marine power conversion and generationDraw upon expertise from Danfoss to optimize energy storage solutions on board vessels, and shore power supplies for quieter and cleaner harbors.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Intelligent power conversion for smart gridsBalancing supply and consumption is a complex task in a distributed smart grid, and this is where Danfoss supports you with certified power conversion solutions, saving you time, cost and effort in testing and certification.
Case studies
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Natel Energy decarbonizes electricity production through reliable hydropower systems with the help of VACON® AC DrivesNatel Energy brings state-of-the-art technology to the renewable energy market with an environmentally friendly and widely distributable hydropower generation system featuring an innovative new turbine design—Danfoss technology helps bring it to commercialization.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Future of the Fjords meets 2026 emission targets, todayThis world-first fully-electric carbon fiber vessel safeguards the pristine Norwegian fjord environment, ensuring zero emissions.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }VACON® drives power hybrid ferries 24/7Passenger ferries bridge Amsterdam’s IJ River, keeping the city connected around the clock. Hybrid propulsion powered by VACON® drives ensures 24/7 uptime, smaller generator size, better air quality, less noise and easy maneuverability of the vessels.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }VACON® drives provides quiet and clean river cruisingIn 2009, Viking River Cruises commissioned the MV Viking Legend, the world’s first river cruiser with an energy and drive system based on a highly efficient DC bus. Since then they have built up a fleet of more than 50 hybrid ships.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Higher energy efficiency for Ro-Pax vesselsAttica Group use VACON® generator and grid converters as part of a sophisticated and energy-efficient solution for energy production on its Ro-Pax vessels.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Reduced fuel consumption and emissions for M/V Bore SeaMain propulsion machinery optimized using VACON® AC-drive technology improves efficiency.