Newbuild Hybrid Service Operation Vessel to Feature ABB Onboard DC Grid

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday August 22, 2017

ABB today announced that it is set to enable the "cost-efficient" integration of batteries onboard a new Louis Dreyfus Armateurs wind farm Service Operation Vessel (SOV) through the installation of ABB's Onboard DC Grid power distribution system.

"As an integral part of the power system, the Power and Energy Management System (PEMS) will ensure safe and efficient operation of the vessel," said ABB.

"The hybrid system enables lean operation with fewer running generators without compromising on safety, meaning less maintenance and better fuel consumption over the long-term."

The Onboard DC Grid will integrate the vessel's two sets of batteries, which will be used primarily for spinning reserve and peak shaving, with battery power able to act as backup for running generators that reduce the need to run spare generator capacity.

ABB notes that, in addition to efficiency gains for the vessel, the mode of operation provides long-term benefits for ship engines by increasing efficiency through higher engine load and reducing running hours overall.

"This project shows how energy storage is a cost-effective solution that maximize energy efficiency and safety," said John Olav Lindtjørn, Global Product Manager for Onboard DC Grid at ABB Marine & Ports.

"Energy storage can be used for many purposes onboard; sometimes it serves as the sole energy source but for this windfarm vessel it is being deployed as an effective supporting element for the main engine."

The Louis Dreyfus Armateurs ship is set to be built by Cemre Shipyard in Turkey, and will operate on four wind farms off the German coast upon completion.

"Shipping is waking up to the many advantages of energy storage," said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s marine and ports business.

"With the industry starting to use batteries more and more, and fuel cells becoming a viable option, we fully expect the Onboard DC Grid to gain further traction."

Earlier this month, ABB said its DEGO IV advanced speed governor and actuation system, which is being used onboard the Stena Line freight ferry Stena Scotia, has been enhanced to deliver further fuel savings.