The Switch inks landmark deal with Vard Electro to equip five offshore vessels

The Switch, a leading provider of innovative power electronics for the marine industry, has signed a multimillion-euro contract with Ålesund-based Vard Electro that marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge products for innovative system integrators.

The Switch will supply its DC-Hub technology to multiple vessels on order at Vard Electro, a subsidiary of VARD, a Fincantieri company, reinforcing its position as a key enabler of next-generation maritime electrification. With a total of 15 DC-Hubs to be delivered, the project showcases the increasing demand for flexible and future-proof power distribution systems.

The five diesel-electric hybrid walk-to-work vessels of the VARD 3 32 design will provide maintenance, supply and operational services to platforms in the oil and gas sector. Designed for support operations with a focus on onboard logistics, comfort, large storage capacities and superior operability, these highly versatile vessels are equipped with a diesel-electric and battery-hybrid propulsion system.

Market-leading technology

The Switch DC-Hub is the world’s smartest technology for multi-megawatt DC distribution systems. Right from the start, it was designed and optimized for DC distribution, enabling stable and secure operations as well as the integration of new energy sources.

Paul Atherton, General Manager at The Switch Norway, commented: “We are proud to partner with Vard Electro on this ambitious endeavor. This contract underscores our expertise in marine electrification and strengthens our mission to accelerate the switch toward net-zero emissions. The Switch’s DC-Hubs provide a scalable and efficient power distribution solution, allowing vessels to optimize energy sources, improve reliability and smoothly transition to greener technologies.”

Groundbreaking protection

The Switch DC-Hubs also integrate a revolutionary suite of protection devices, each addressing critical safety and operational continuity challenges. These devices ensure ultrafast performance across all systems by operating within 10 microseconds:

The Electronic DC Breaker (EDCB) is a semiconductor-based solution that eliminates faults inside an inverter module, ensuring uninterrupted operation for the rest of the system and enhancing system reliability.

The Electronic Bus Link (EBL) is a DNV-approved, DP3-rated device that isolates faults between DC-Hubs, protecting onboard power grids by splitting them in microseconds and enabling system redundancy.

The Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) safeguards against short-circuit faults toward the battery on the DC-Hub end of the cable.

This unmatched protection capability ensures safe and reliable DC power distribution in all sailing conditions, enhancing operational continuity, system redundancy and fault protection. Developed in line with best practices from other industries, these devices represent a transformative force in marine electrification, contributing to safer, more efficient and sustainable operations.