On March 13, 2025, the annual conference of China Industrial Control Network kicked off grandly in Wuxi. As the annual highlight event in the field of industrial automation, this year’s conference is themed “New Strategies, New Opportunities, New Quality, New Intelligence,” attracting top global enterprises, industry experts, and media representatives from around the world.

During the highly anticipated awards ceremony, the AS710M marine engineering-specific variable frequency drive from STEP Group won the “New Quality” Award for Motion Control and Drive Products, thanks to its outstanding technological innovation and strong market influence. Mr. Li Xinghe, Deputy General Manager of the Variable Frequency Drive Systems Division at STEP Group, took the stage to accept the award and shared the company’s strategic layout and technological breakthroughs in the maritime sector.

AS710M Inverter: The “Green Engine” for the Shipping Industry

The AS710M frequency converter is a high-end drive device specially developed by STEP for the shipbuilding and marine engineering sectors. Its core design philosophy revolves around three key dimensions: high efficiency and energy savings, intelligent control, and environmental adaptability. It aims to address the longstanding challenges faced by the shipping industry, including high energy consumption, substantial operation and maintenance costs, and severe environmental pressures.

Technological Breakthrough: From Certification to Market Recognition

Last year, the AS710M successfully obtained Type Approval from the China Classification Society (CCS) for both 400V and 690V voltage levels, making it one of the few inverter products in China to receive this prestigious certification. The CCS certification is renowned for its stringent technical and safety standards, encompassing comprehensive testing in areas such as protection performance, energy efficiency metrics, and intelligent capabilities. Thanks to its high-frequency PWM technology, low harmonic distortion, and modular design, the AS710M demonstrates exceptional stability and adaptability even under complex operating conditions, providing a reliable safeguard for marine propulsion systems.

Energy-Saving Benefits: From Data to Practice

In terms of energy conservation and environmental protection, the AS710M stands out particularly. According to real-world application cases, after a large cargo ship was equipped with a direct-drive shaft-generator system centered around the AS710M, it achieved an average daily fuel savings of 1 ton, reducing annual operating costs by approximately 1.25 million yuan (based on a 250-day operating period). This achievement not only aligns with the mandatory environmental requirements of Annex VI of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Convention but also helps shipping companies achieve their “dual-carbon” goals.

Intelligent Upgrade: From Control to Collaboration

The AS710M is equipped with an open communication interface and intelligent control algorithms, enabling seamless integration with ship automation systems. It provides real-time monitoring of equipment status and dynamically adjusts load responses, significantly enhancing operational and maintenance efficiency.

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STEP AS710M Marine-Grade Inverter Specification Parameters

The STEP AS710M frequency converter has received type approval from the classification society.

STEP “Ocean Strategy”: Deep Technological Expertise and Global Expansion

The R&D and certification of the AS710M represent a crucial step for STEP in responding to the nation’s “Maritime Power” strategy and promoting the digital transformation of the shipbuilding industry.

Technological Accumulation: From the Lab to the Deep Sea

STEP has been deeply engaged in the variable-frequency drive (VFD) field for over two decades and holds more than 100 core patents. The R&D team behind the AS710M spent three years optimizing its protection rating and anti-interference performance to address extreme environmental conditions such as high salt spray, high humidity, and intense vibration—conditions commonly encountered in marine environments—thereby ensuring the device’s long-term reliability during long-distance ocean voyages. Moreover, its wide-frequency-range adjustment capability makes it compatible with a variety of motor types, covering all application scenarios from power generation to power consumption.

Market Expansion: From Local to International

With the “pass” provided by CCS certification, STEP is accelerating its expansion into overseas markets and striving to become a key player in global green shipping at an early date.

Ecological Co-creation: From Products to Solutions

STEP not only provides hardware equipment but is also committed to building an ecosystem centered around “variable-frequency drives plus intelligent platforms.” For example, it leverages cloud-based data analytics to optimize ship energy efficiency management or integrates with navigation systems to enable adaptive speed adjustments. This “software-and-hardware integration” approach is driving the shipping industry’s transformation from standalone equipment toward systematic, smart operations.

Industry Outlook: New Opportunities for Smart Ships and the Green Economy

The future of the shipbuilding industry lies in intelligentization and decarbonization. Starting with the AS710M, STEP will continue to explore cutting-edge technologies and provide global customers with more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.

Policy-driven: Upgrading Regulations and Standards

With the full implementation of the IMO’s 2023 regulations, the Ship Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) have become mandatory thresholds. The energy-saving features of AS710M align perfectly with this trend, and its market penetration is expected to double within the next five years.

Technology Convergence: Digitalization and Automation

By actively pursuing digital and automation upgrades, STEP products are further reducing equipment downtime. Meanwhile, its next-generation variable-frequency drives will feature enhanced computing capabilities, enabling localized data processing and real-time decision-making.

Social Responsibility: A Practitioner of Green Manufacturing

From low-carbon processes in the production stage to full lifecycle management of products, STEP consistently integrates environmental protection principles throughout its value chain.

Anchored in innovation for the future and earning trust through quality—The success of the AS710M variable-frequency drive not only reflects STEP strong technological capabilities but also serves as a microcosm of China’s journey toward high-end manufacturing. STEP will continue to be customer-driven and powered by technological breakthroughs, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the global shipbuilding industry. In the future, STEP will ride the waves, set sail far and wide, and usher in a brand-new chapter on the “blue ocean journey.”

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market@stepelectric.com

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No. 1560, Siyi Road, Jiading District, Shanghai Municipality