Quantum Marine Stabilizers have been pushing the boundaries of marine engineering for many decades. From being the innovators behind Zero Speed™ technology, to the extendable XT™ Fin Stabilizers and MAGLift™ Rotor, the engineers at Quantum have revolutionised marine stabilisation several times, improving both safety and comfort aboard.

Therefore, it comes with no surprise that Quantum continues innovating forward.  What is the latest technology worthy of bringing to market? As stabilisers are traditionally known as big consumers of energy, exploring new solutions for reduced power consumption and sustainability is certainly relevant today.

In 2024, Quantum launched two new systems that challenge the status quo in marine stabilisation: the F45, electric/hydraulic hybrid power system and the e-FIN, the company’s first fully electric stabiliser system. Read on for a deep dive into what makes the two systems so revolutionary and how they can be applied.

The F45 –Electric/hydraulic hybrid power system
The F45 is an electric/hydraulic hybrid power system that represents a big step forward in marine stabilisation, especially in terms of sustainability, due to energy recovery and energy storage.  This power system can be combined with any Quantum fin or rotor and delivers an impressive energy savings at zero speed and underway mode.

F45 key advantages
• Reduces power consumption up to 60 to 80 per cent
By reconfiguring and simplifying the design, this system is able to use power as needed, when needed versus a traditional system that must remain running at 40 per cent capacity, even at idle.  Results show the overall cost to run the system is reduced by 60 per cent at zero speed and 80 per cent recovery in underway mode, representing enormous savings.

• M.E.S.S. – Mass energy storage system
M.E.S.S. is an effective innovation to manage the unavoidable spikes that occur from running a stabiliser system.  It prevents the ‘dimming lights’ and protects the useful life of the generator.  The F45 uses flywheel technology for the following reasons:
– Managing the large spikes
– Compact size
– Robust capabilities
– Long-term service life 

• 4 x quieter than any other Quantum system to date
Independent third-party testing was conducted by J&A Enterprises to test for audible noise radiating from the unit and structure borne vibration noise transmitted through the isolation mounts.  The results were impressive, with sound readings at 63dB’s, four times quieter than a traditional hydraulic system to date.

• Longer periods of running without required maintenance
This is important for limiting downtime and reducing yard visits.

• Smaller footprint
The installation space required is typically smaller than a traditional stabiliser system, allowing more options for other priorities.

• F45 new controls offer greater precision
The new 5000S control system collects more data and delivers more precise movements to the stabilisers, leading to an even better overall experience.

The F45 was launched in spring 2024 and has been successfully installed on a 47-metre Feadship refit. The owner states, “I am thrilled with the F45 and have a lot of confidence in the Quantum brand. As a yacht owner, I feel a responsibility to support new technologies, especially as it relates to clean energy alternatives.”

The system is available as of now for all vessels over 65 metres and can easily be retrofitted.

The e-FIN electric stabiliser
The e-FIN is Quantum’s first-ever fully electric stabilisation system and is unique to all other electric stabilisers on the market. A team of 15 in-house hydrodynamics engineers, naval architects, control engineers, electrical engineers and mechanical engineers from the US and the Netherlands have collaborated on this game-changing technology. The result is a highly innovative system, that reduces energy consumption by 60 to 80 per cent, targeting vessels in the 40 to 65-metre range.

FIN key advantages
• E6 controller and HMI screen
The new E6 Control is similar to the latest 5000S platform, with a touch screen interface and modular programing for independent functionality. Both controls also use the latest system software and have an active maintenance algorithm.

• Sustainable energy storage system
The e-FIN is considerably more efficient due to the electrolytic capacitors for power storage.  Stabilisers generate large fluctuations when they are moving versus stationary, causing cyclical loading to the ship’s grid. One of the key features is that the e-FIN storage system can be charged when the fin movement is low and discharge energy to the drive motor when fin movement increases. Furthermore, in underway mode, the fins can generate power that can be stored for future use.

• Smaller hull unit and fewer components to install
The smaller size of the hull unit compared to a traditional hydraulic unit, along with fewer components, makes the e-FIN easier and faster to install and service.

• In-house custom-designed reduction gearbox
The purpose-built gearbox is capable of handling up to 10 million cycles.

• Extremely cost effective to maintain
Expected to run up to 15,000 hours between service intervals.

• Quieter than a traditional hydraulic system
Due to fewer noise-generating components and the optimised gear design.

• Minimal heat dissipation
No cooling required due to the efficiency of the system.

• Power smoothing
Energy storage system to reduce power fluctuations common to all stabiliser operations.

• Easy connection to AC or DC bus
Plug-and-play operation.

• EPU designed to meet electrical safety requirements
Compliant with EEE45 rules, DNV, Lloyd’s and ABS and CE certified.

• All-aluminium construction
Best weight to torque/power ratio.

The e-FIN is available now and can be built and retrofitted into any vessel between 40 and 65 metres.

For more information on Quantum’s latest innovations reach out to info@quantumstabilizers.com or visit www.quantumstabilizers.com.

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