No More ‘Tug Dilemma’
An ABB-chartered cable-layer ordered in September 2015 might be the only hybrid battery-powered offshore service vessel (OSV) in anyone’s new-build program right now, but don’t say that to the ABB man who led the team that designed the radical electrical system, Onboard DC Grid. The new cable-layer design is the first OSV since the Dina Star to boast a new DC Grid, but in the coming months, “There could be several more,” said ABB Global Product Manager, Johan Olav Lindtjorn. Some of those designs will eventually be tugs.
Fuel Savings Confirmed by Ships on ABB DC Grid
ABB say that the first documented results from Onboard DC Grid vessel confirm considerable fuel and noise reduction through the use of its Onboard DC Grid, where engines to run at variable speeds for top fuel efficiency at each load level. ABB explain that its Onboard DC Grid represents a breakthrough for the maritime industry in optimized propulsion by distributing power through a single DC circuit providing significant power savings while also improving the safety and redundancy compared with traditional AC systems. up to 27 percent. The tests also measured fuel consumption in dynamic positioning operations during challenging weather conditions, identifying fuel savings of 14 percent.
ABB Onboard DC Grid Granted AIP from ABS
Approval in principle confirms Onboard DC Grid’s suitability for marine application. The new system supports the growth of electrical propulsion systems onboard ships. ABB, a power and automation technology group, was granted Approval in Principal (AIP) for the Onboard DCGrid power distribution system by classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). To be granted the AIP, the Onboard DC Grid was subject to a series of risk assessment techniques to determine if the concept provides acceptable levels of safety in line with current marine industry practice, requirements and standards. The AIP now granted by ABS is a strong tool to support and streamline the design, approval, execution and inspection of new projects.
ABB Systems Onboard Three Nor-Shipping Award Nominees
ABB, a power and automation technology group, ponted out that it has systems onboard three out of the four ships shortlisted for Nor-Shipping’s prestigious Energy Efficiency Award. The Energy Efficiency Award will be presented to the ship considered to have made the greatest contribution towards energy efficiency. Viking Grace, the world first LNG-fuelled large passenger ship, owned by Viking Line, who chose ABB to supply the complete electrical power plant and propulsion system together with energy management system -- EMMA, which is a part of ABB’s advisory suite within its vessel information and control solutions (VICO). EMMA helps to manage energy-related processes, practices and decisions on the new ferry to use fuel more efficiently during operation.
Nominees Announced For Three Nor-Shipping Awards
Nor-Shipping announced the nominees for the 2013 Nor-Shipping Awards which recognize achievements in three different areas – energy efficiency, innovative ship design and young entrepreneurship. HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will present the awards when they are announced at the Opening Conference on June 4. The Energy Efficiency Award (previously Clean Ship Award) pays tribute to the ship with the greatest contribution towards energy efficiency in relation to its function or operation.
Onboard DC Grid Wins ABB an OTC New Technology Award
ABB’s onboard DC grid was one of 15 technologies selected for an award at the current OTC expo in Houston Texas. The grid concept was selected for an award by a panel of representatives from the OTC Board and program committee. To qualify, technologies had to fulfill five criteria: they had to be new (less than two years old), innovative (original, groundbreaking and capable of revolutionizing the offshore exploration and production industry), proven to work, of broad interest and appeal to the industry…
ABB Delivers Vessel with First Onboard DC Grid System
ABB announced that the first vessel to feature Onboard DC (direct current) Grid has been delivered to Norwegian offshore owner Myklebusthaug Offshore by Kleven Yard. The Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) “Dina Star,” designed by Norwegian company Marin Teknikk, is 93 meter long with deadweight tonnage (DWT) approximately 5000 ton and will serve as a multipurpose oil field supply and construction vessel in the North Sea. ABB supplied the Onboard DC Grid system, including all power, propulsion, automation and advisory systems.
