EMEA News
ABB to Provide Tech to Power "Futuristic" Norwegian Hybrid Ferry
ABB Group (ABB) has announced that it will provide "integral technology" to a "futuristic" hybrid diesel electric ferry concept, named Seasight by shipbuilder Brødrene Aa, set to operate in Western Norway.
Owned by The Fjords, Seasight has been called "one of the most innovative ship designs ever seen on the Norwegian fjords."
ABB says it will supply a compact and lightweight version of its Onboard DC Grid system, which controls energy flow between the diesel engine, vessel propeller, and the battery charging station.
The Onboard DC Grid is said to allow energy storage to be efficiently integrated into modern marine power systems, and in the case of the Seasight, will enable energy transfer to the battery while charging.
"Regulation means Norway is leading the world in terms of battery power for passenger ferries," commented Sindre Sætre, ABB’s Director of Marine and Ports in Norway.
"Globally battery power and hybrid technology is gaining importance in the maritime sector and we are delighted to be at the forefront of that process."
Beginning in May 2016, Seasight is planned to complete about 700 journeys annually, carrying up to 400 tourists the 32 km between Flåm and Gudvangen along the Nærøyfjord, explained ABB, noting that charging of the vessel's battery will occur at both ends of the ferry route, and when the diesel engines are running.
"Once it has arrived in the most scenic part of the fjord it will switch to battery power, allowing sightseers to enjoy the nature in almost complete silence at around 10 knots (approx. 18 km/h)," added ABB.
In October, ABB said the results of a study that it requested of DNV GL shows that "substantial" fuel savings can be made for a liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier using an optimised dual fuel diesel electric (DFDE) propulsion system.
