ABB systems chosen for cylindrical accommodation vessels

AUGUST 16, 2013 — ABB is to provide integrated solutions onboard two offshore accommodation vessels that include the electrical propulsion system, Azipod CZ and automation system

The accommodation vessels are being built by China’s COSCO (Nantong) Shipyard Co., Ltd for Singapore-registered owner Logitel Offshore, which is a subsidiary of Norwegian company Sevan Marine. The cylinder-shaped vessels will each have a displacement of about 40,000 tonnes and capacity to accommodate 490 persons.

ABB has extensive experience in providing electrical propulsion systems and Azipod units for various offshore vessels. However, this is a breakthrough order for ABB in the floater business to provide an integrated solution that combines not only electrical propulsion system and Azipod, but also the automation system. This integrated package will be delivered to the shipyard by October 2014.

ABB will provide power distribution systems for the two Logitel vessels, including generators, switchboards and main transformers, as well as propulsion transformers and frequency converters. The order also calls for the installation of six Azipod CZ units.

The ABB automation package provided will be based on its System 800xA Extended Automation platform. This is a version of the group’s industrial automation platform that has been adapted for marine applications, including vessel and power monitoring, emergency shutdown, fire & gas, as well as the automation of helideck monitoring systems and loading computers.

“ABB already has a large market share in terms of onboard power and propulsion systems,” says Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s business unit marine and Cranes. “However, this order represents a milestone in our strategy to offer complete solutions for power, propulsion, automation and vessel control. It is the first embodiment of the ‘total integration’ and we believe customers will see a step forward in benefits when one supplier is providing a total package of integrated, cutting edge solutions that deliver enhanced energy efficiency, reliability and improved asset management.”