ABB Strengthening Marine Presence In Brazil

An Azipod C factory is planned to better serve the growing market in Latin America May 25, 2010 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is planning to strengthen its marine business presence in Brazil, in order to serve the growing market in Latin America more effectively.

Latin America has quickly become a key strategic area for ABB’s marine business. Future plans, which include the establishment of a new Azipod C factory, marine service center and specialized Azipod service center, will help ABB to serve Brazil’s fast-growing shipbuilding industry and to fulfill the requirement for local content.

“ABB’s innovative solutions and quality products have won us a leading position in high value added vessel segments, such as drillships, semi-submersible rigs, offshore supply vessels and shuttle tankers”, said Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s Marine and Cranes Business Unit.“Our portfolio fits well into Brazil’s shipbuilding plans and development, and our investments show ABB’s commitment and confidence in the Brazilian market, and we believe this will gain us a preferred position to supply thrusters for 28 drilling units for Petrobras”

Several locations have been evaluated for setting up the new Azipod factory, including Pernambuco, Santos, and Rio De Janeiro, although the final decision has yet to be taken. The planned factory will have the annual capacity of over 30 Azipod units. The actual construction schedule will enable timely thruster delivery to Petrobras drilling units from Brazil.

A service center is also planned to be opened by 2014 in Brazil. It will have dedicated and specialized Azipod service personnel, a dedicated workshop and tooling to assist in overhauls and refurbishment. The service center will also provide spare parts for the local market.

Source: ABB