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ABB has launched its Shipping 4.0 concept with a high-level roundtable discussion on the 'Power of the Future'.

Industry leaders and journalists met with ABB experts to discuss the technologies and power sources that are shaping the maritime industry.

The Onboard DC Grid system - a modular electrical system platform that makes use of direct current to connect energy sources with consumers - allows the integration of energy storage and fuel cells into onboard power systems.

Vision of the Fjords is one of the vessels using the system and Rolf Sandvik, CEO of operator The Fjords, said at the roundtable: "What we have done so far is with zero support from the government. We are doing it because we believe that people want a carbon-free future, and that technological advances will eventually bring costs down."

The roundtable agreed that whilst mechanical engines would continue to be the norm for some time, energy storage and, eventually, fuel cells offer compelling alternative solutions.

John Olav Lindtjorn, Global Product Manager for Onboard DC Grid, ABB Marine and Ports said: "Battery cost and performance is improving continuously driving a wider adoption onboard. Also, we see that fuel cells will come to play an increasingly important role but combustion engines will likely be around for a while still, though its dominance is under threat."

Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB's Marine and Ports business, remarked: "We developed the Onboard DC Grid as we anticipated the important role energy storage and fuels cells have to play in the maritime sector. By encouraging debate around the topic and dedicating resources to these technologies, we are establishing ABB as a leading force in the green power revolution."

Shipping 4.0 is the theme for ABB's annual customer publication and is designed to encourage debate on the most prominent issues facing the industry, including: the pace of technology, the role of people and the force of regulation.

Fuel cell management

In response to the changing needs of the industry, ABB has also announced that the role of Global Product Manager for Energy Storage Systems - with new appointee Jostein Bogen now at the helm - has been expanded to include the development fuel cell solutions.