🔍 Key Concepts

• Electric propulsion basics – how electric motors drive the propeller compared to direct diesel or steam turbines • Control of motor speed and direction – how electric motors are started, stopped, reversed, and throttled • Power distribution on board – how the main generators and propulsion motors relate to ship’s service power

💭 Think About

• Think about what electric motors are especially good at in terms of controlling rotation and torque on a propeller shaft. • Consider whether electric propulsion makes it easier or harder to arrange the prime mover (diesel or turbine) in the hull layout. • Ask yourself if the same electrical plant that feeds the propulsion motors could, in principle, also feed other shipboard loads.

✅ Before You Answer

• Which choice best reflects a well-known advantage of electric propulsion over mechanical drives? • Eliminate any option that describes an obvious disadvantage not typically associated with electric drives. • Check if any option conflicts with the general idea that electric systems can be distributed and controlled more easily than purely mechanical shafting.