Offshore staff
OSLO, Norway — Ulstein Verft has commissioned ABB to supply a power and propulsion system for a new cable-laying vessel ordered by Nexans.
The ship is due to join the company’s existing fleet of cable-layers Nexans Skagerrak and Nexans Aurora, which also feature ABB equipment, in 2026.
ABB’s integrated system will comprise main power generation and distribution, energy storage, and electric propulsion to support cable-laying, recovery and repair tasks.
Its closed-ring configuration will be designed to provide high fault tolerance and optimized engine use in DP mode; and the system will be configured to minimize the risk of power loss while ensuring optimum operational flexibility and fuel efficiency.
The onboard energy storage system (ESS) should reduce engine running hours to ease running costs, and it will provide spinning reserve and peak-shaving capabilities, acting as a backup power source in case of engine failure.
In addition to the generator, switchboards, transformers, frequency converters, motors, DC switchboard for batteries and ESS, the scope of supply includes the Remote Diagnostic System (RDS) for propulsion, thruster inverters, and rectifiers and cybersecurity configuration for the RDS.
The latter provides fault detection and continuously monitors equipment health status to help minimize the need for onsite service.
02.14.2024
