ABB leads electrification of ‘world’s largest emission-free

ABB Marine will deliver batteries, an energy storage control system and Onboard DC Grid technology for the vessels, as well as revolutionary “robot” stations at either end of the route that will automatically plug in the ferry to shoreside power when it arrives, thereby maximising the charging period.

ABB is following a controlled progression towards autonomous shipping “through a step-by-step development process” that is advancing from isolated operations towards connected, integrated, remote and finally autonomous operations, explained senior vp Sakari Sorsimi, head of ABB business unit Marine and Ports, Finland.

The company is one of the leading pioneers in the digitalisation of shipping and has already opened Integrated Operation Centers in Asia (Singapore), Europe (Helsinki and Billingstad, Norway) and the US (Miami) where ship data is received and monitored.

Currently data from some 600 connected vessels is being monitored, with Carnival Cruise Lines among ABB’s reference clients. An internal ABB study had shown that remote monitoring of machinery reduced maintenance costs by 50%.

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ABB leads electrification of ‘world’s largest emission-free ferries’