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
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Related applications
Shaft generators and shore-supply systems.
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Case studies
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