Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
Quantum Marine Stabilizers has entered the electric stabilizer market with the launch of its e-FIN system, unveiled during the Monaco Yacht Show. With nearly four decades of experience in hydraulic stabilization, Quantum is expanding its offerings to include green technology aimed at enhancing stability and comfort for yachts in the 40m to 65m range.
“The e-FIN is unlike anything we have done before and anything the competition is doing in the electric stabilizer market," says Quantum's CEO, John Allen. A key part of the e-Fin stabilization system is that it enhances energy efficiency by minimizing power loss during standby mode, contributing to a quieter and smoother operation compared to traditional stabilizers.
The system also incorporates electrolytic capacitors that support energy recovery and storage, facilitating reduced energy consumption and emissions. This allows the e-FIN to capture and reuse excess energy generated during fin movement, with Allen highlighting that “nearly 80 percent of the energy used to move the fin can be recovered, depending on sea conditions.” This capability not only boosts overall efficiency but also lowers operational costs and reduces the yacht's carbon footprint.
The development of the e-FIN was a collaborative effort among Quantum’s team of 15 engineers from the United States and the Netherlands, blending expertise in hydrodynamics, naval architecture, and electrical and mechanical engineering. “Our goal was to design the best electric stabilizer possible, which allowed us to innovate without limitations,” says Allen.
While Quantum initially explored electric stabilization a decade ago, the technology at that time did not meet their standards. “We needed lighter, smaller, and more efficient components,” explains Andrew Corbin, Technical Sales Manager. With advancements in technology over the years, the team revisited the electric stabilizer concept in 2022, seizing the opportunity to leverage new innovations and insights gained from their F45 hybrid power unit.
Other features include a purpose-built gearbox that is engineered to meet specific structural noise requirements and ensure longevity in operation, and designed to handle up to 10 million cycles and expected maintenance intervals of up to 15,000 hours. Allen elaborates, “We designed the gearbox in-house, allowing for unique movements while addressing cyclical loading challenges.” This design minimizes strain on the yacht’s electrical grid, preventing potential failures during operation.
Complementing the gearbox is Quantum’s E6 control system, which monitors motor torque for real-time adjustments and reduces maintenance needs. This controller tracks power consumption and operational cycles, with remote access capabilities, adding convenience for yacht operators.