Mon 19 May 2014, 15:42 GMT

Electrical power and propulsion systems for offshore vessels


ABB system package is designed to provide reliable and fuel efficient propulsion.



ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won contracts worth in excess of $20 million to supply electrical power and propulsion systems for two next generation offshore vessels.

The first vessel, of Ulstein SX165 design, is being constructed at Ulstein Verft in Norway for Island Ventures 11, the joint venture set up in 2012 by the US and Norwegian owners Edison Chouest Offshore and Island Offshore, whose advanced subsea service vessels provide solutions to the offshore oil industry.

At 28 meters wide and 145.7 meters long, and with accommodation for 200 people, the SX165 will be the largest vessel constructed by Ulstein Verft and is due for delivery in the third quarter of 2015. It is equipped with two cranes that can lift 400 tonnes and 140 tonnes respectively, and has three separate engine rooms to provide extreme operational reliability.

ABB is to supply an advanced complete power and diesel electric system package comprising medium voltage generators, switchboards, transformers, frequency converters and motors to provide reliable and fuel efficient propulsion. Health, safety and the environment have been a key focus in the design of the vessel and ABB’s scope of supply reflects this through its advanced power system, which is capable of achieving the requirements needed to run the system in closed ring in DP3.

The second vessel, for Island Offshore, features the innovative Rolls-Royce UT 777 design for optimal subsea operations including top hole drilling, light well intervention, subsea construction and inspection, maintenance and repair work. ABB will supply an advanced complete power and diesel electric system package comprising medium voltage generators, switchboards including power management system, transformers, frequency converters and motors. ABB will also supply complete fire & gas monitoring and control systems for fire and gas detection.

In addition, both power distribution and propulsion systems will be monitored by ABB’s remote diagnostic system (RDS), which helps to reduce repair time of installations and improve operational safety when reducing the need for on-site visits by providing immediate 24/7 assistance from a global technical center.

The second vessel will be constructed at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan and delivery is scheduled for 2017.

"ABB’s advanced power system and remote diagnostic system will maximize the operational flexibility and safety.” said Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s Business Unit Marine and Cranes. "We look forward to cooperating in the projects and to delivering high quality services to these pioneering new ships."

Image: Ulstein SX165 design.

ABB  

Jurgen Gerdes, WinGD. WinGD signs global service agreement for TMS Cardiff Gas LNG carrier newbuilds  

WinGD will support six dual-fuel engines on three new LNG carriers for the Athens-based operator throughout their operational lives.

Yangze LNG 01 vessel. Yangzijiang Xinfu delivers first 175,000-cbm LNG carrier built by Chinese private shipyard  

Vessel features two dual-fuel MAN B&W 5G70ME-C10.5-GA-EGR engines fitted with cryogenic units.

Kaguya 200th ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. LNG bunkering vessel Kaguya completes 200th ship-to-ship operation in Japan  

K Line’s joint venture vessel reaches milestone in Mikawa Bay.

MFM Nicole vessel. Synergy Marine adds dual-fuel LPG carrier to managed fleet  

MFM Nicole joins Synergy’s gas carrier portfolio as owners weigh fuel choices ahead of MEPC 85 negotiations.

CMA CGM Notre Dame vessel. DSV to use CMA CGM’s ACT+ solution to slash shipping emissions  

Danish firm targets 12,000-tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions over two years through the use of UCOME-based biofuels.

Peninsula 2026 graduate cohort. Peninsula welcomes 2026 graduate cohort across global bunkering network  

Bunker firm brings new graduates into roles spanning Houston, Singapore, Gibraltar, Monaco and Las Palmas.

Mathias Krogsgard, Malik Supply. Malik Supply appoints Mathias Krogsgård as bunker trader  

Danish bunker firm adds trader with export and technology background to growing team.

Jeroen De Vos, Peninsula. Biofuel adoption in shipping shifts from debate to delivery, says Peninsula's Jeroen de Vos  

Marine biofuels have moved from pilot projects to routine fuel strategy, argues IBIA vice-chair.

KEPCO E&C and KR signing. KEPCO E&C and Korean Register of Shipping to collaborate on marine SMR development  

Korean firms to develop technical standards and certification pathways for the BANDI offshore small modular reactor.

Ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Sagunto. Peninsula completes first LNG bunkering operation at Sagunto  

Levante LNG bunkering vessel supplies K Line car carrier in landmark delivery.