ABB Onboard DC Grid Reduces PSV Fuel Use 27%

Tests confirmed the fuel-reduction results for the Dina Star 

Swiss power and automation company ABB says tests show that an electric propulsion technology it developed reduced fuel consumption on a platform supply vessel (PSV) by up to 27 percent.

The technology, Onboard DC Grid, lets engines run at variable speeds so they can achieve top fuel efficiency at each load level.

The tests were conducted by Pon Power on Myklebusthaug Offshore PSV Dina Star.

The Onboard DC Grid allows vessels to cut noise and reduce their environmental impact, as well as reducing fuel costs.

"Our Onboard DC Grid is a significant step forward for electric propulsion," said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB's Process Automation division.

"We are pleased that the concept delivered results that exceed our expectations.

"Onboard DC Grid is a competitive advantage to ship owners operating a wide range of ship types from offshore vessels to ferries and yachts seeking to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions."

The tests also found the technology reduced fuel consumption 14 percent during dynamic positioning operations in difficult weather and reduced noise by 30 percent.

"The results from Dina Star, the first vessel to feature ABB's advanced Onboard DC Grid technology, are promising and enhance our competitive edge," said Tore Myklebusthaug, general manager at Myklebusthaug Management.

"Based on the test results, we can now confidently say that the Onboard DC Grid delivers considerable fuel savings, to the benefit of the vessel charterers."

The Dina Star was nominated for Nor-Shipping's Energy Efficiency Award last year, along with three other vessels using ABB systems to improve efficiency.