Advanced offshore vessels feature ABB technology

Azipod D

FEBRUARY 18, 2016 — ABB is to supply the power, propulsion and energy storage solution for what it describes only as “two of the most innovative vessels operating in the offshore oil and gas sector.”

Designed by the Arendal, Norway based Cefront Technology, and to be built by Chinese shipbuilder COSCO, the vessels will measure 90 m by 20 m and are designed to accommodate 36 persons onboard.

The specialized vessels require an advanced propulsion and power generation system to perform its operation and ABB says its new Azipod D will help the vessels safely achieve millimeter precision at open sea.

The Azipod D is the latest generation of ABB’s podded electric propulsion system and the vessels will each feature two 4.2 MW units. A hybrid cooling system using a combination of direct seawater cooling and internal air cooling increases electric motor performance by up to 45 percent. Overall, the Azipod units will have a substantial impact on the ships fuel efficiency.

The vessels will also use ABB’s Onboard DC Grid. It allows the ships’ four 3,600kW generators, also supplied by ABB, to operate at variable and optimum speed, cutting fuel consumption by up to 27%.

Additionally, the vessels are equipped with batteries, which will further optimize use of the power plant and reduce energy consumption.

“The solutions we are providing will make these ships incredibly flexible and efficient to operate,” says Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business unit. “The Azipod D, Onboard DC Grid and energy storage are cutting edge technologies which match the demanding conditions often experienced in the offshore sector.”

The ships will be equipped with ABB’s Remote Diagnostic Service, connecting them to ABB’s shoreside technical support centers where technicians can monitor the performance of the vessel and ensure necessary support.

Onboard DC Grid