GE has secured a contract from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group to provide power and propulsion systems for six liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in China.

Hudong-Zhonghua will construct the LNG vessels in its shipyard in Shanghai, which will be used to transport LNG from Australia to China.

The company will deliver the six LNG carriers between April 2016 and November 2017.

Hudong-Zhonghua selected GE’s dual-fuel diesel-electric (DFDE) propulsion for the new LNG carriers, as the electrical propulsion technology is more efficient and has less impact on environment due to its lower fuel consumption and emissions.

In addition, the DFDE drive systems are more compact which enables carriers to hold more cargo.

Under the contract, GE will supply induction motors with pulse width modulation (PWM) propulsion technology driven by DFDE engines that can run on natural gas, marine diesel gas or heavy fuel oil.

For each of the six LNG vessels, the company will deliver two propulsion systems comprising of generators, main and cargo switchboards, transformers, MV7000 converters, motors and remote control.

In addition, GE will also be responsible for design, engineering, commissioning, training and assistance for sea and gas trials.

GE Power Conversion marine business leader Paul English said the company developed the power and propulsion solutions combining induction-based technology with a PWM converter.

"We will provide Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group with technical support during the design phase of the systems and share our technical expertise on the DFDE solution," English added.