Rickmers opts for ABB trim optimization and fleet management solutions

JUNE 11, 2012 — ABB reports that it has won an order from Rickmers Group, Germany, to supply advisory systems for dynamic trim optimization and fleet management solutions for five multi-purpose vessels operated by Rickmers-Linie, which specializes in break-bulk, heavy lift and project cargo ships, and deliveries for large-scale projects.

ABB’s delivery will help ship management teams to operate the vessels in the most efficient way to save fuel at maximum level. ABB will supply trim optimization systems, energy management systems and fleet management solutions. ABB’s trim optimization system dynamically measures the actual trim and advises the crew on optimal floating position of the ship with easy-to-understand and user-friendly displays. All data generated onboard are transferred to a cloud based application for vessel benchmarking. That provides the management onshore with full visibility of the fleet’s energy consumption, as all systems are connected together by ABB’s solution.

The installation of the system will be done vessel by vessel and the first system is expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2012. The complete system for five vessels is expected to be fully operational by the end of year.

“We trust ABB as a reliable partner for energy efficiency, and chose ABB due to the benefits that the system will bring to our fleet” says Mr. Jens Lassen, Managing Director of Rickmers Ship management and Global Head of Rickmers’ business unit Maritime Services.

“With current fuel prices, the estimated payback of the system is less than a year” says Mikko Lepistö, Advisory Systems manager for ABB’s Marine and Cranes business. “Through industry experience and tests on-board we are certain that our trim optimization system can help our customers save up to 5 percent in fuel consumption and consequently reduce emissions significantly.”

The delivered solutions are part of ABB’s newly developed Advisory Suite of software.