Space-saving, water-cooled PM motors are up to 98% efficient
28 April 2026 
ABB has launched a new generation of compact permanent magnet (PM) motors with water-jacket cooling, that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally to achieve space savings of up to 60%. The motors deliver efficiencies of up to 98%, with high torque and power densities, for applications including shaft generators, marine propulsion and thrusters.
The motors can be used with ABB drives to enable optimised system configurations and flexible integration into modern electrification architectures. They are available in both geared and direct-drive configurations, and in frame sizes 500 and 710, with power ratings up to 5MW. ABB says that larger frame sizes are feasible, allowing the platform to scale with future application and industry requirements.
The motor’s innovative water-jacket cooling system, combined with an optimised mechanical structure, provides good thermal performance without needing external fans or top coolers. As well as cutting mounting volumes by up to 60%, vertical heights can be 30-40% smaller than conventional alternatives, and weights 5-15% lower.
Low losses across the full operating range result in reduced fuel or battery use, and lower CO2 emissions.
The motors have enclosed rotors, advanced magnet protection, and a patented technology to prevent corrosion and withstand demanding environments. A uniform inner-loop cooling architecture is said to improve temperature stability around the magnet modules and coil ends, enhancing resistance to demagnetisation, and long-term reliability.
The motors are aimed, in particular, at marine applications. This sector is being transformed by the shift to electrification, hybridisation, and the use of alternative fuels. Permanent magnet motors are a core technology for next-generation vessels, enabling higher efficiencies, reduced noise levels, and improved manoeuvrability – especially for tugboats, offshore support vessels, ferries and hybrid ships.
ABB says that the motors’ low weights and volume requirements will be critical advantages for L-drive azimuth thrusters and other applications where space is limited.
“Across many industries, our customers are working to decarbonise, improve energy performance, and fit more capability into tighter spaces,” says Tatu Jarvenpaa, ABB’s business manager for motors and generators. “This new permanent magnet series combines ABB’s latest advances in magnet technology, cooling innovation, and engineering to deliver more power in less space – with the reliability and lifecycle performance the industry expects from ABB.”
