ABB News

ABB will deliver a comprehensive power, propulsion, and automation system for two new-built short-sea container ships of the global logistics company Samskip Group headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The vessels will be among the world’s first to use hydrogen as a fuel. Financial details were not disclosed. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2023. 135-metre ships Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India, the 135-metre ships...

ABB introduces a new operational planner module for its ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS – Marine Advisory System to help offshore fleet managers plan and optimise the maintenance of offshore wind farm operations. Offshore support vessels typically operate close to their shore base with frequent trips to fixed assets, such as wind turbines at sea, which sets specific requirements for their ability to perform in demanding conditions. Moreover, as the vessels perform time-sensitive and deman...

ABB has secured a large order with one of the largest offshore shipbuilders in China, Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd., to deliver an integrated bridge-to-propeller technology for Havfram Wind’s two new NG20000X-HF Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs). The vessels, incorporating the latest battery-hybrid drivetrain technology, will be among the most energy-efficient designs to operate in the offshore wind industry. Other features are the capability of installing offshore wind turbi...

ABB E-mobility has announced details of its new HVC360 fleet charging solution, putting the power to drive change in the hands of fleet managers everywhere. With the decarbonisation of road transport taking centre stage in many nations’ climate policies, recent years have seen huge strides made towards the provision of electric mobility solutions. But while the growing number of public charging points is excellent news for EV drivers, these alone do not meet the needs of electric fleets....

A total of 14 countries have so far secured dedicated pavilions to showcase local expertise, including Singapore and Japan. In addition, individual organisations such as Siemens, ABB, DNV (with two stands), NCE Maritime Cleantech, Jotun and many more have moved early to secure stands in prime positions. “There’s no doubt that Nor-Shipping 2022 whetted the appetite of the industry for a full return to international exhibitions, knowledge sharing events and networking,” comments...

ABB has won a large order from Sembcorp Marine Ltd, a global provider of innovative engineering solutions to the offshore, marine and energy industries with headquarters in Singapore, to deliver the complete electrical system automation for a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility for Brazilian oil and gas producer Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras). Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. The P-82 FPSO will be one of the largest vessels to be deployed...

Representatives of the Spanish maritime and river transport sector met at the Clock Building of the Port of Valencia with the Board of Directors of the Waterborne Technology Platform, at a meeting organised by the Valenciaport Foundation, in collaboration with the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), with the aim of discussing the next steps in the transition to a zero-emission and at the same time, competitive sector, and to address the benefits that the different European funding mechanisms make...

Wilson Sons, the largest integrated port and maritime logistics operator in the Brazilian market, has selected ABB’s Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes at Rio Grande container terminal, including the QuayPro module to digitalise container stowage confirmation processes. ABB’s automated gate systems The company has been using ABB’s automated gate systems both at its Rio Grande and Salvador container terminals since 2013. Adding Cra...

ABB has secured a breakthrough contract with the shipyard COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) Co. Ltd., to equip 10 China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited container vessels with its permanent magnet shaft generator systems. The deal re-affirms the growing appeal of the systems as a market-ready route to greater ship efficiency. Due for delivery by the end of 2025, the order comprises systems for six 14000TEU vessels and four 16000TEU vessels. The International Maritime Organization (IMO...

As the world’s largest cruise ship Wonder of the Seas, departed on her maiden voyage in the beginning of March 2022, she was the first in the world to feature the new ABB Ability™ Marine Braking Assistance. Designed for safe and smooth emergency stops, the automatic braking system is the result of collaboration between supplier and owner, initiated at Royal Caribbean Group’s request. Following full sea trials by shipbuilder Chantiers d’Atlantique and acceptance by the ow...

ABB has published another of its ‘Energy Transition Equation’ reports that shows how industrial customers can reduce carbon emissions and manage the energy transition for a more sustainable future. Based on nine months of research and modelling, the report highlights how early adoption and integration of automation, digitalisation, and electrification technologies to enable autonomous operations can deliver savings of over 300,000 tons of carbon emissions per annum for offshore site...

The latest episode of ABB’s technology-focused podcast ABB Decoded discusses technologies for greener shipping, 2022's theme of World Maritime Day on September 29. The theme provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of a sustainable maritime sector and engage in a global dialogue on the topic. 2030 sustainability strategy With more than 80 percent of all goods worldwide being transported via ships, and the number expected to significantly increase over the next few years,...

At the recent SMM trade fair in Hamburg, MAN Energy Solutions and ABB, a technology company signed a Decarbonisation Cooperation agreement regarding the development of a next-generation, Dual-Fuel, Electric+ (DFE+) propulsion concept for LNG carriers. Operational flexibility The DFE+ concept features the MAN 49/60DF engine, itself launched at SMM 2022 and ABB’s Dynamic AC (DAC) technology and aims to deliver the operational flexibility shipowners need to cut carbon footprints as well as...

Friday was the closing day of the 30th SMM which took place on Hamburg’s exhibition campus from 6 to 9 September. During the anniversary edition of the flagship fair the maritime industry demonstrated its commitment to tackling the energy transition. Organisers, exhibitors and trade visitors alike delivered a positive summary of the event. The enthusiasm was palpable. After a four-year wait, the international maritime community was finally able to meet for a physical SMM in Hamburg again:...

The latest ocean freight rate data from Xeneta reveals that spot rates are currently USD 3 700 more expensive for shipping 40’ containers from the Far East to the South American East Coast compared to the West Coast corridor. This huge gap – the norm is usually around a USD 55 East Coast premium – has opened up since 1 July. However, shippers looking to take advantage of the disparity should move quickly, Xeneta warns, as it may begin to narrow across August and September. Si...

While spot rates for ‘dry standard’ FEUs are declining on the world’s key global trading corridors, the rates for equivalent reefers are bucking the trend on the North Europe to Far East route. According to the latest market intelligence from Xeneta, which crowd sources real-time ocean freight rate data from shippers, the average 40’ HC reefer spot rate stood at a mighty US$ 5230 for the trade on 23 August, compared to dry standard FEUs at US$ 980. At this point, two ye...

Nor-Shipping 2023, which is scheduled to take place from June 6 to June 9, 2023, looks set to build on the success of Nor-Shipping 2022 event, with strong early sales and commitments from numerous national pavilions to return to the exhibiting fold. A total of 14 countries have so far secured dedicated pavilions to showcase local expertise, including Singapore and Japan at Nor-Shipping 2023 exhibition. In addition, individual organisations, such as Siemens, ABB, DNV (with two stands), NCE Marit...

It’s been another bumper month for long-term contracted ocean freight rates, as the cost of securing container shipments climbed by 10.1% in June 2022. Following on the heels of a record 30.1% hike in May 2022, this now means rates stand 169.8% higher than this time in 2021, with just two months of declines in the last 18 months. Despite a degree of macro-economic uncertainty clouding the horizon, all major trades saw prices moving up, with some corridors showing significant gains. Xenet...

ABB and Wison Offshore & Marine (WOM), a technology and solution provider focusing on clean energy, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and implementation of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facilities worldwide. Production efficiency FLNG facilities make the production, liquefaction, and storage of natural gas possible at sea, from where it can be shipped directly to customers around the world. By optimising and standardising the FLNG un...

Port of Toulon, which handles over 1.6 million ferry and cruise passengers annually, has committed to ABB Shore Connection technology at a key stage in its sustainability drive. With around 1,300 yearly calls from ferries and cruise vessels right in the heart of the city, the port of Toulon plays an important role in developing the attractiveness of the region for business and tourists. The port is also central to the “Zero-smoke stopovers” plan by the region of Provence-Alpes-...

May saw the highest ever monthly increase in long-term contracted ocean freight rates, as the cost of locking in container shipments soared by 30.1%. The unprecedented hike, revealed in the latest Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI®) Public Indices for the contract market, means that long-term rates are now 150.6% up year-on-year. In 2022 alone, costs have climbed by 55%. “This is a staggering development,” comments Xeneta CEO Patrik Berglund. “Just last month we were looking at a...

April 2022 saw the third consecutive monthly climb in long-term contracted ocean freight rates, with shipping costs rocketing by 11.1% globally to stand 109.9% up year-on-year. The data, revealed in the latest Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI) Public Indices for the contract market, demonstrates how supply chain demand, successful carrier strategies and continued COVID-19 disruption in China are coalescing to ‘pile on the pain’ for shippers worldwide. Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI) Xeneta&...

The latest in-line shaft generator from ABB will enable ship operators to benefit from the efficiency, performance and reliability advantages of permanent magnet technology. The new generator brings flexibility and ease of installation to a wide range of vessels, including bulk carriers, container carriers, liquid natural gas tankers and ferries transporting passengers and cars. Permanent magnet shaft generator The AMZ 1400 permanent magnet shaft generator is optimised for converter control a...

ABB and Ballard are progressing with their partnership to decarbonise marine transport and have received an AiP from DNV for their high-power fuel cell concept, the development of which was launched in 2018. An AiP is a major milestone in developing new technology as an independent assessment of the concept, confirming that the design is feasible and no significant obstacles exist to prevent the concept from being realised. With the AiP in place, the jointly developed solution can be completed...

ABB has been awarded a contract worth around US$ 30 million by the Canadian data and analytics company - EarthDaily Analytics (EDA), to develop and manufacture next-generation multispectral imaging systems, which are to be placed on 10 satellites (including an in-orbit spare) that will circle the Earth. The order was booked in the first quarter of 2022. Multispectral imaging systems Multispectral imaging systems capture data at specific light frequencies across a wide spectrum, and the EarthDa...

ABB announces that its Turbocharging division (PA), a pioneer in heavy-duty turbocharging for diesel and gas engines, has unveiled its new brand name ‘Accelleron’, a compound word of: Access – Accelerate – Excel – on and on, with a bold new colour of bright purple representing a powerful, inspirational, and noble brand. The new brand is centred around the company's purpose: ‘Together we inspire, innovate & exceed expectations’ – setting indust...

Long-term contracted ocean freight rates fell by 3.6% in January 2022, according to the latest Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI®) Public Indices. Based on crowd-sourced data from global shippers, the analysis shows the second consecutive monthly rates decline, following a staggering 14 months of consistent increases. As such, despite the dip, contracted rates stand 98.1% up year on year, demonstrating the commanding position carriers continue to occupy in shipping negotiations.  Pain and g...

Håkan Agnevall, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Wärtsilä (Wärtsilä Corporation), wants to position the marine and energy giant, as the natural partner for an industry and society, looking to translate climate ambition to reality. His vision is clear and he argues ahead of Nor-Shipping 2022, real change is already tantalisingly close at hand. It’s rare for someone to speak with such certainty in uncertain times. Clear path for Wärtsilä But, H&arin...

Master Boat Builders has begun construction of Crowley’s eWolf, the first all-electric ship assist tug in the U.S., at its shipyard in Coden, Ala. “Initiating construction of the first-ever fully electric U.S. tugboat, the eWolf marks a historic moment for Crowley and Master Boat Builders,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders. “Today is also a remarkable milestone for the entire U.S. maritime industry, as we work toward providing groundbreaking...

Urban areas account for over 70 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions, with heating and cooling representing the largest share of energy consumption, so delivering sustainable and affordable heating and cooling to cities is a priority in the fight against climate change. ABB will deploy its complete electrical, instrumentation, and control (EIC) package, motors and variable speed drives for the powerhouse of the heat pump, which will be the world’s largest seawater heat pum...