Integrated electric propulsion

It is a modification of the combined diesel-electric and gas propulsion system for ships which eliminates the need for clutches and reduces or eliminates the need for gearboxes[2][3] by using electrical transmission rather than mechanical transmission of energy, so it is a series hybrid electric propulsion, instead of parallel.

[1][3] A typical integrated electric propulsion arrangement on larger (e.g. cruise ships) and naval vessels includes both diesel generators and gas turbines.

In naval vessels, a pool of diesel generators are typically used to provide a base load and enough power to achieve cruise speed.

The diesels provide reliable redundancy and an efficient source of electricity when in port, at anchor, or drifting.

Compared to diesel, it increases flexibility, versatility and efficiency, with capability of transforming to provide propulsion or electrical power more rapidly, which ever the situation dictates.