ABB News

ABB has secured an order with the shipbuilding company - All American Marine to supply a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the new ocean sampling catamaran for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) in California. In addition to the comprehensive scope of technologies, All American Marine will draw on ABB’s extensive expertise in the supply, engineering, and systems integration of hybrid-electric vessels. The vessel is expected to be delivered to OC San in 2027. 19.2–me...

The contract for civil works and electrification for the expansion of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (MVII) container terminal in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, has been awarded to CareGo, a consortium comprising ABB, Dura Vermeer, and GMB. 51-hectare container yard The expansion will cover a 51-hectare container yard. This will double the capacity of the terminal, making it one of the most advanced fully automated terminals in the world. The 51 hectares will consist of 31 additional yard blocks, q...

The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated a new flagship project, Decarbonisation through the Digitalisation in Shipping (DECARDIS), together with optimisation platform company Awake.AI, technology pioneer ABB and shipping company Wallenius Marine. The consortium, funded by ESA and led by Awake.AI, will collaborate on a port call optimisation solution, which focuses on helping ships cut greenhouse gas emissions by overcoming inefficiencies in the ship-port interaction.  Smart ship te...

SOCSEA24, the 4th Society and the Sea Conference is taking a significant step forward in championing gender equality within the maritime industry. Female representation The conference organisers – National Maritime and the University of Greenwich – have announced that women in maritime leadership roles will make up 41.2% of the speakers and 50% of the moderators at 2024's SOCSEA event. This marks a significant 9% increase in female representation compared to the conference’s...

ABB has been awarded a contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to serve as the propulsion single source vendor (PSSV) for its groundbreaking new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries. This project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable maritime transportation in the US and beyond, with ABB playing a pivotal role in developing and delivering the five newly built vessels. Hybrid electric propulsion systems As PSSV, ABB will supply comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion sy...

A pair of dual fuel (diesel and LNG) RAstar 4200-DF standby vessels have recently entered service with Hongkong Salvage & Towage (HKST). Built by Cheoy Lee Shipyards, LNG Sentinel I and LNG Sentinel II were specifically designed for service at the Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited (HKLTL) import terminal. Featuring a unique electrical propulsion system with Z-drives that can receive power from both diesel and dual fuel (diesel and LNG) propulsion gensets, these vessels will help maintain a saf...

Innovative technology developed by Arkitech delivers substantial efficiency improvements to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system onboard MSC Magnifica. Leveraging AI and machine learning, the technology analyses data from over 1,500 sensors on the MSC Cruises’ ship, enhancing chiller efficiency by up to 12% and achieving predicted annual savings of 1600MW which is equivalent to removing the 687 cars from European roads. This efficiency is realised without compromis...

A collaboration between ABB and Arkitech has brought significant efficiency gains for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system on board MSC Magnifica. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse data from over 1,500 sensors on the MSC Cruises ship, this technology enables up to 12 percent increase in chiller efficiency to achieve monthly energy savings of 100 MW by the 15-year-old ship, while maintaining optimal air-handling unit performance. Energy effici...

The ABB-powered all-electric tug eWolf has been christened this week at the Port of San Diego, California, marking a new chapter in vessel electrification in the United States. Owned and operated by Crowley, eWolf features an end-to-end electric propulsion system from ABB including a 6.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system (ESS). This allows the vessel to achieve 70 short tons of bollard pull with zero emissions and complete a full day of work on a single charge. Given electricity is cheaper t...

One of the world’s major exhibitions and conferences for maritime electrification, decarbonisation, and GHG reduction solutions will once again dock in Amsterdam this June. Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe will feature 200+ exhibitors under one roof, PLUS a full three-day conference programme with 40+ expert speakers!  Hosting industry pioneers Taking place at the Amsterdam RAI in the Netherlands, on June 18, 19 & 20, the event will host over 200 exhibitors, in...

ABB has been selected by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to supply a comprehensive grid-to-propeller solution for the new double-ended, hybrid-electric ferry that will provide essential services between the town of Lincolnville and the island community of Islesboro in the United States.  Due to replacing an existing diesel-powered ferry, the new vessel will demonstrate the preference of publicly funded organisations in the US for the high reliability and lower emissions a...

ABB has won the contract to provide a complete shore connection installation for the DEME Base in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. Shore connection enables Shore connection enables the diverse fleet of dredgers, offshore construction, and support vessels to avoid carbon emissions by shutting off their engines and drawing on shore power while at berth. Headquartered in Belgium, DEME is a pioneering contractor in the fields of offshore energy, environmental remediation, dredging, and marine infrast...

ABB and crane builder Kuenz, headquartered in Austria, have secured the largest single order of Automatic Stacking Cranes (ASC) ever made by a European terminal, as part of the groundbreaking ‘phase 2’ expansion of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT MVII) facility in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The companies will deliver 62 ASC and one Intermodal Yard Crane equipped with the latest electrical and automation technology enabling the terminal to double container capacity at APMT MVII....

Seaspan Shipyards, Canada’s long-term shipbuilding partner for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Royal Canadian Navy, has awarded ABB a contract to deliver an integrated propulsion system for the first of the CCG’s new-generation polar class icebreakers. The vessel is expected to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful diesel-electric icebreakers when it enters service in 2030, with ABB supplying vessel systems complying with IACS Polar Class 2 requirements for year-r...

ABB has won an order with Portsmouth International Port to supply a shore connection solution for visiting ferries and cruise ships.  Shore power system Part of the UK port’s Sea Change project to design, build, and operate a shore power system across its three busiest berths, the installation will serve two ferry berths, each with five connection points and an additional berth shared by ferries and cruise ships. The order was signed in January 2024, with the system due for install...

ABB has been selected by the Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. (ASENAV) shipyard based in Chile to provide a power and propulsion system for Antarctica21’s newbuild boutique expedition ship Magellan Discoverer. Due for delivery in 2026, the vessel is the first hybrid-electric polar cruise ship featuring Azipod® propulsion to be built in the Americas. Accommodating up to 96 passengers and 67 crew members, the vessel will be operating in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia an...

ABB has secured an order with Norwegian shipyard Ulstein Verft to supply an advanced power and propulsion system for a forthcoming cable-laying vessel (CLV) of Nexans, a global player in energy transition headquartered in Paris, France. On delivery in 2026, the vessel will join Nexans Skagerrak and sister ship Nexans Aurora–also equipped with ABB technology–as the third and most advanced CLV in the Nexans fleet. Onboard energy storage system An integrated system comprising main po...

DNV has quantified the gains that owners of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers could expect to achieve using the new Dual Fuel, Electric+ (DFE+) solution developed by ABB and MAN Energy Solutions. Comprising MAN’s four-stroke 49/60DF dual fuel engine and ABB’s Dynamic AC power distribution and control system, the solution has been developed to overcome efficiency challenges that are specific to the vessel type.  Machinery space requirements DNV’s Maritime Advisory as...

ABB and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) have signed a long-term partnership agreement to accelerate the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Targeting increased safety and efficiency, the agreement covers 14 existing ships and a further four vessels due for delivery from 2025 to 2028. The first phase of the partnership includes a 10-year Azipod® propulsion service agreement for the fleet, providing efficient preventive maintenance to support saf...

Crowley has accepted delivery of eWolf, the first all-electric, ship assist harbor tugboat in the U.S., a milestone advancing the company’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation. The tugboat, which was designed by Crowley’s engineering services team, will operate with zero emissions while providing the complete performance capabilities of a traditional tug. The eWolf represents a historic innovation through a collaboration among Crowley, federal, state and local governmen...

ABB announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc. (hereinafter DTN Shipping), expanding the company’s offering in maritime software. This will establish ABB as one of the market pioneers in ship route optimisation. The acquisition of the DTN Shipping portfolio covers vessel routeing software, including analytics, reporting, and modelling applications. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The...

COLI Group’s subsidiary - Asia Break Bulk (Singapore) has entered into a strategic partnership with CSL Shipping (China). CSL and ABB will work closely together to market CSL’s multi-purpose carrier - ‘Jian Yang Hua Qing’. The vessel has 2 x 250 mt cranes for loading breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo and is active for both companies as of now. Felix Peinemann, the Managing Director of the COLI Group, states: "This partnership will expand our footprint in the MPP ma...

ABB announces the release of the 2023 edition of Generations, which focuses on the experts, companies, and solutions driving the maritime industry toward a more successful and sustainable future. 'Transforming Tomorrow' With 2023’s theme, ‘Transforming Tomorrow’, Generations showcases the technological innovations, expertise, and concepts empowering change in shipping and beyond. It also highlights how ABB is drawing on its people, passion, and pedigree to support the transf...

ABB and shipping company - Wallenius Marine have opened the doors of the first OVERSEA Fleet Support Centre, a major milestone in their collaborative strategy to help shipping companies improve environmental, technical and voyage performance. One of the maritime industry’s first digital and fleet support centres to be developed as a service, OVERSEA provides recommendations to help vessels, across all types and fleet sizes, achieve measurable performance improvements, pioneering to...

ABB has secured a contract with Auckland Transport (AT) to deliver the maritime world’s first megawatt charging system (MCS) to recharge electric ferries using the same interface as trucks and aeroplanes. Lowering the barrier to entry, the standardised and highly adaptable system is expected to improve electric vessel competitiveness against fossil-fueled counterparts. As part of its Mission Electric initiative, AT has ordered two 200-seat all-electric ferries and two 300-passenger hybri...

ABB has launched a new digital tool allowing shipowners, operators and designers to estimate the emission-reduction impact of various ABB technologies used on board ships when compared to alternative solutions and in scenarios specified by the user. The CO2e (carbon dioxide-equivalent) Calculator is applicable to five ABB solutions for the maritime industry– Azipod® electric propulsion, energy storage, Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform, shaft generator, and shore connection...

ABB has secured an order with Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company Navantia to supply the Spanish Navy’s forthcoming submarine rescue vessel, Poseidon, with high-performance, DC-based power and distribution. Following the delivery scheduled for 2026, the vessel will be the first of its kind equipped with this system. The ship will be responsible for executing and supporting submarine missions, including diving operations, intervention and rescue in accidents and shipwrecks and underw...

ABB and Carnival Corporation & plc have signed a long-term partnership agreement to collaborate on continued operational excellence and ship performance across the cruise company’s fleet using systematic maintenance planning, critical spare management, and cutting-edge digital solutions for condition monitoring. The contract was booked in Quarter 3 (Q3) 2023. Azipod® XO propulsion systems The 15-year agreement covers maintenance for Azipod® XO propulsion systems powering ves...

Ahead of COP28, a new report gives industries a roadmap to save 11% of global emissions by 2030 while saving $437 billion along the way. The report, named ‘The Case for Industrial Energy Efficiency’ published by the Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM), outlines ten key actions that does not require new technologies or policy decisions, but promise to save emissions. The Case for Industrial Energy Efficiency in short: 10 mature, scalable energy efficiency key actions can deliver 4 g...

According to the new “Value of Reliability” survey from ABB, over two-thirds of industrial businesses experience unplanned outages at least once a month, costing the typical business close to $125,000 per hour. Despite this, 21 percent of businesses surveyed still rely on run-to-fail maintenance. Managing maintenance The survey, conducted by Sapio Research in July 2023, gathered responses from 3,215 plant maintenance decision-makers globally across the energy generation, plas...