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  

Suezmax crude oil tanker render. Guangzhou Shipyard secures Suezmax order, delivers vessels ahead of schedule  

China State Shipbuilding subsidiary reports nine vessel deliveries in the first quarter of 2026.

Clean ammonia project pipeline chart as of March 2026. Renewable ammonia pipeline grows despite Norway project freeze  

GENA Solutions tracks 325 projects totalling 146 MMT of capacity by 2034 despite execution challenges.

Antwerpen and Arlon naming ceremony. Exmar names world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel gas carriers in South Korea  

Two 46,000-cbm vessels can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% during navigation.

Fujian province map with highlighted locations. Gulf Marine expands bonded lubricant supply network in China’s Fujian province  

Company adds supply points in Putian, Ningde and Fuqing, covering 20 terminals across the region.

Excelerate Acadia naming ceremony. Bureau Veritas classifies Excelerate Energy’s new 170,000-cbm FSRU Excelerate Acadia  

Vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries features dual-fuel engines and proprietary regasification system.

Osprey Energy logo. Osprey Energy seeks junior bunker trader to support Cebu trading activities from Netherlands  

Dutch marine fuel supplier targets Cebu region expansion through new training programme for Filipino candidates.

EUA prices dropping graphic. KPI OceanConnect highlights falling EUA prices as opportunity for shipowners to lock in compliance costs  

Marine fuel firm says timing carbon allowance purchases can reduce costs as EU emissions scope expands.

RINA employee in control room. RINA partners with Hanwha Group on battery-hybrid propulsion for ro-ro ferries  

Classification society to provide regulatory compliance verification for hybrid battery systems on newbuilds and retrofits.

Amadeus Titanium vessel. HGK Shipping’s Amadeus Titanium fitted with wind assistance system  

Coastal vessel equipped with VentoFoils at Dutch port to reduce fuel consumption on Covestro routes.

Sebastian Weder, Bunker One. Bunker One expands physical supply operations to Tallinn and Finland  

Marine fuel supplier extends Baltic Sea coverage with new operational presence in Estonia and Finland.