American Superconductor
American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) is a U.S.-based company that specializes in advanced technology solutions for the electric power industry. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Ayer, Massachusetts. AMSC primarily focuses on the development and commercialization of systems utilizing superconducting materials and power electronics.
Core Areas of Business and Products:
Wind Energy:
- Wind Turbine Designs and Systems: AMSC provides complete wind turbine designs and systems solutions tailored to maximize efficiency and reliability in different environmental conditions. They supply electrical control systems for wind turbines, enhancing their performance and grid compatibility.
Grid Solutions:
- Grid Interconnection and Power Quality: The company develops products that improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution. These include dynamic VAR (Volt-Ampere Reactive) compensators and other grid stabilization products.
- High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) Wire: AMSC manufactures advanced HTS wire, a key component for various grid applications, including the stabilization of electrical grids and the reduction of power losses.
Defense Technology:
- Ship Protection Systems: AMSC offers solutions for naval defense, including systems for degaussing (reducing the magnetic signature of naval vessels to prevent detection and targeting by magnetic mines and torpedoes).
Power Electronics:
- The company provides an array of power electronic solutions designed to manage and control electrical energy flow efficiently and reliably across various industrial and renewable energy applications.
Key Technologies:
- Superconductor Wire (Amperium®): AMSC's proprietary HTS wire technology is marketed under the brand name Amperium. This wire is pivotal for reducing energy losses in power grids and enhancing the performance of electrical equipment.
- D-VAR® Systems: These Dynamic VAR systems are designed to support grid stability and are used by utilities to regulate voltage levels continuously.
Global Reach and Innovation:
AMSC operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various international partners to bring its technologies to global markets. Its innovative approach and strong R&D capabilities have positioned the company as a leader in integrating superconducting technologies and advanced power electronics into practical, market-ready solutions.
Financial and Market Position:
As a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "AMSC," American Superconductor has garnered attention from investors interested in cutting-edge technological advancements in renewable energy and grid solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Market Volatility: Like many technology and energy companies, AMSC faces challenges related to market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and competition.
- Growth Opportunities: Increasing demand for clean energy solutions, grid modernization, and efficient power distribution systems present significant growth opportunities for AMSC.
Overall, American Superconductor Corporation is a notable player in the energy technology sector, leveraging its expertise in superconducting materials and power electronics to drive advancements in renewable energy and electrical grid infrastructures.
- 978-842-3000
- www.amsc.com
- 978-842-3024
Products
High temperature superconductor (HTS) wire, HTS Ship Propulsion Motors, HTS Degaussing Coil systems, power systems and electronics, wind turbine engineering and design
Devens USA
64 Jackson Road
Devens MA 01434
USA
Devens MA 01434
USA
Maritime News
Container Shipping Rates Plunge in Step with U.S. Demand for China Goods
Rates for shipping cargo containers from China to the U.S. have dropped by more than half since earlier this month, as imports rebounded less than expected after the slump that followed President Donald Trump slapping 145% tariffs on China.Trump quickly reversed course by lowering the rate to 30%. That cost increase on goods from the nation's No. 1 ocean trading partner remains significant, especially at a time when U.S. economic data is signaling weakness.Rates on the closely watched Shanghai-to-U.S.
Fincantieri Delivers Cruise Ship Viking Vesta
Viking Vesta, the second of a new series of cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for the shipowner Viking, was delivered today at the Ancona shipyard.The ceremony was attended by Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Merchant Ships Business Unit of Fincantieri.The vessel belongs to the segment of small cruise ships. With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, Viking Vesta has 499 cabins and can accommodate 998 passengers on board. The vessel is the 14th ship delivered by Fincantieri to Viking, including the two expedition units built by the Norwegian subsidiary Vard.
Ships to the Scrapyard Could Double to 16,000 Vessels over Next Decade
“As the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) enters into force we have updated our estimate for the ship recycling potential over the next 10 years. We now estimate the potential to be 16,000 ships, or 700m deadweight tonnes (DWT), from previously 15,000. The new estimate equals twice the number of ships, and nearly triple the DWT, recycled over the last 10 years and highlights the need for investments in compliant recycling facilities,” says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.
Trump Wants More Drones and Missiles, Fewer Ships
U.S. President Donald Trump wants a pay raise for troops, more high-tech missiles and drones in next year's defense budget, while cutting Navy jobs, and buying fewer ships and fighter jets to save money, according to budget materials posted Wednesday.At $892.6 billion, the defense and national security budget request is flat compared with this year.The budget, which also includes nuclear weapons-related activities carried out by the Department of Energy and increases funding for homeland security, puts Trump's mark on the military by pulling funds away from weaponry and services to fund his priorities.
First Russian-Built Ice-Class LNG Tanker to Enter Operations This Year
The first Russian-built ice-class tanker for liquefied natural gas is expected to go into operation in the second half of this year at the Arctic LNG 2 plant, Interfax news agency quoted tanker group Sovcomflot as saying on Wednesday.International sanctions over Ukraine have led to a shortage of tankers in Russia that can cut through thick ice, preventing Arctic LNG 2 from exporting cargo since the first stage of the plant started operation at the end of 2023.The tanker, named Alexey Kosygin after a Soviet statesman, was built at the Zvezda shipyard and is due to join the fleet of vessels for the Arctic LNG 2 plant.The tanker, already under U.S.