The hybrid propulsion solution, using electric power from 8.8 MWh batteries and diesel generators, will cut fuel consumption on P&O Ferries’ Dover-Calais route by 40%, says ABB, cutting fuel consumption by one ton per return trip across the English Channel.
The batteries are intended to provide full power for harbour manoeuvring and stay in port and will prepare the vessels for a zero-emission future once more electric shore charging stations are available.
Equipped with four Azipod propulsion units rated at 7.5 MW each and a bridge at either end, the double-ended vessels will be the largest passenger and freight ferries ever to sail the route when they enter service in 2023.
The vessels will also be equipped with ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control, an intelligent manoeuvring and control system that enables safer, more efficient operations by automating some navigational tasks to allow bridge officers to focus on optimizing overall ship control and positioning, as well as ABB’s Power and Energy Management System (PEMS) to improve information flow across shipboard systems.
“The P&O ferries under construction at the Guangzhou Shipyard International are truly iconic,” said Zhongqian Chen, chairman of Guangzhou Shipyard International. “We are delighted to strengthen our strategic cooperation with the technology leader ABB and to work together on this leading-edge project.”
“We are proud to have ABB technology at the heart of P&O Ferries’ sustainability programme, as it transitions to the zero-emission future envisaged for shipping,” commented Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports.
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