The growth of electric propulsion in shipping is continuing unabated. As manufacturers of these propulsion engines are increasingly busy, they are seeking out system partners to prefabricate components of their products, such as the magnet rotor. However, the bar is set high. The system partner must possess superior knowledge and technology in order to be able to meet the engine manufacturer’s stringent requirements.
Increasingly a system partner for electric marine-propulsion systems
“For complicated magnet technology they call on us”
Bakker Magnetics, based in Science Park Eindhoven, is seeing increasing demand from the marine industry. The Dutch high-tech company, with more than 50 years of expertise, specializes in the engineering and production of permanent magnets and PM assemblies. Since magnets are at the core of electric propulsion systems, both for professional and recreational vessels, any market growth is immediately evident to the team at Bakker. As the specialist in the Magnetic Technology & Assemblies division explains: “There are many medium and small manufacturers of electric engines for smaller vessels. They can’t be expected to have deep in-house expertise in magnet technology, so they rely on us.”
The market’s growth signals are unmistakable. Only a handful of multinationals build electric propulsion systems for large freight and cruise ships. Although these giants have internal magnet-technology capabilities, even they are increasingly outsourcing to streamline production. “We take over the construction and optimization of magnet assemblies,” adds the engineer, “freeing them up to focus on their core competencies.”
“We specialise in optimising the magnet assembly, so that the very best performance and maximum longevity are achieved“
Driving performance and efficiency
Electric propulsion offers many advantages, says the specialist: “These engines are much quieter, so a ship can berth in port at night without disturbing nearby residents. They provide immediate torque at low RPM, and they eliminate the need for large engine rooms and gearboxes. Additionally, engines installed under cruise ships can rotate 360 degrees, allowing massive vessels to remain surprisingly maneuverable. And of course, electric propulsion contributes to sustainability, as it eliminates the need for diesel in many scenarios.”
Since battery range still limits electric propulsion, large ships often rely on hybrid systems, electric motors for port operations and short routes, diesel for long distances. “We’re even seeing this trend in aviation,” the engineer adds. “A jet engine is used for flight, but electric propulsion is applied for taxiing. As technology continues to advance, magnet technology, the heart of electric propulsion, only becomes more important.”
“We can offer major engine manufacturers the external support they increasingly request from the market“
Precision engineering for critical components
Magnet technology is vital to the performance of electric propulsion systems. “It’s an area where engine manufacturers can really set themselves apart,” the specialist notes. “We focus on optimizing the magnet assembly to deliver the best possible performance and maximum lifespan. That includes selecting the right magnet material.”
Thanks to its joint venture in China, Bakker Magnetics can produce custom magnets of any grade and geometry, with top-tier quality control. “This production stability is essential,” explains the engineer. “For example, submarines and frigates require ultra-silent engines, which means consistent magnetic flux is critical. That reliability hinges on both design and consistent magnet quality, something we guarantee.”
Large electric marine engines use extremely powerful magnets, like 1.4 Tesla neodymium super magnets. “These need to be glued or mounted using customized tooling with extreme precision and care,” says the specialist. “This process is as specialized as the design itself. We also assist with design decisions, such as whether a Halbach configuration, despite higher cost, is the better option for improved flux density. Or how to best position the magnets for optimal engine performance. Or which marine coating offers the best protection against corrosion. Our engineers run all the calculations.”
By applying all that expertise, the team at Bakker optimizes the magnet rotor for peak efficiency, durability, and minimal maintenance, key advantages for customers.
Delivering on large-scale projects
A recent project highlighted Bakker Magnetics’ ability to deliver on large-scale marine needs. One of the world’s biggest manufacturers of electric marine propulsion systems, despite having in-house magnet expertise, outsourced the magnet module production to Bakker. “It was a prestigious order, and it may lead to further collaboration,” says the engineer.
The project involved electric POD engines installed under a cruise ship. “Each engine contained a massive rotor with around 70 magnet modules, and each module housed nine powerful magnets,” the specialist explains. “We produced the magnets in China and assembled the modules at our facility in the Netherlands, using a dedicated production line. Given the immense magnetic forces involved, precision and safety were absolutely critical. There’s no room for error.”
“Each engine contains a huge rotor with around 70 magnet modules, with nine powerful magnets positioned and enclosed in each one“
Partnership through expertise
According to the specialist, this project showed clearly that Bakker Magnetics can handle even the most complex marine applications. “We support large engine manufacturers with the system expertise they increasingly need. And we also provide complete assistance to smaller manufacturers. What made us especially proud was the feedback from the client, they appreciated our flexibility and our approachable way of working.”
“At Bakker Magnetics, we don’t just bring deep technical expertise. We also enjoy taking on challenges and being fully involved in every phase of the process. And above all, we believe in celebrating successes together. That’s why we strive to be more than a supplier, we want to be a true system partner.”
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