ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order to provide integrated solutions that include the electrical propulsion system, Azipod® CZ and automation system onboard two offshore accommodation vessels.

The 1+1 accommodation vessels will be built by 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, conferring superior vessel energy efficiency and manoeuvrability. In addition, based on the System 800xA Extended Automation platform, the ABB automation package provided will be based on its System 800xA Extended Automation platform. This is a version of the group’s world-renowned industrial automation platform that has been adapted for marine applications; include 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 .”  

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.