Baleària to install ABB energy management package

MARCH 14, 2014 — Spanish ferry operator Baleària is to install ABB energy management systems on one of its largest vessels, the 1,200 passenger, 105 vehicle Martin i Soler. It has an option to extend the project to two further vessels in the Baleària fleet.

The ABB package selected is part of the EMMA Advisory Suite of software. The EMMA Advisory Suite is a decision-support tool to minimize the overall energy costs for individual vessels and entire fleets.

Baleària’s installation will cover dynamic trim optimization and hull condition monitoring. The package will help the vessel operator to optimize required propulsive power and forecast hull and propeller fouling, with both contributing to reduced fuel consumption. By reducing fuel consumption, ABB will also help Baleària to reduce the vessel’s environmental emissions.

ABB’s trim optimization system dynamically measures actual trim and advises the crew on steering adjustments via easy-to-understand and user-friendly displays. All data generated onboard are transferred to a cloud-based application for vessel benchmarking. This can provide management onshore with full visibility of energy consumption across the entire fleet.

“Baleària and ABB are expecting over 2% savings in propulsion power used at sea through the installation of the trim optimization system and hull monitoring, which will have the same impact in the fuel consumption and consequently reduce emissions.” says Baleària’s Fleet Manager, Guillermo Alomar.

Baleària operates ferries connecting the four Balearic Islands to mainland Spain, as well as providing daily inter-island sailings. The company also operates in the Strait of Gibraltar and between the U.S. and the Bahamas. Baleària’s business focuses on the regular maritime transport of passengers and cargo. The company has a strong focus on continuous growth and the modernization of its fleet, with 17 vessels currently in service.

“ABB is committed to the development of cutting-edge technology that will help ship operators with the challenge they face today, we are confident that ABB’s energy management systems will help Baleària to optimize vessel operations while improve the energy efficiency,” says Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s Marine and Cranes Business Unit.