ABB’s Marine Academy launches arctic course in response to strong demand

16 August 2016 (Helsinki, Finland) – ABB capitalizes on strength in the ice-going sector by launching new course

ABB has launched a new arctic course for deck officers in response to strong demand from the ice-going vessel segment. The course has been developed in cooperation with customers and will provide deep understanding of the operational principles of diesel-electric Azipod vessels, taking into account vessel safety, environmental and economical requirements and operational efficiency and maintenance needs when operating in arctic conditions.

“Demand from the ice going segment for ABB’s solutions has been strong for some time,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business unit. “By combining ABB’s expertise with the needs of the customer, we have set a new benchmark for arctic training.”

The course will build on the company’s long history of working with ice class vessels, ABB delivered the first electric propulsion system to an icebreaker in 1939. Azipod propulsion has also gained a strong foothold in the segment and has recently expanded its reach to ice class passenger vessels.

The 5-day course is held in cooperation with Aboa Mare training center in Turku, Finland. Training consists of discussions, lessons and full mission bridge simulator exercises. Topics of the lessons vary from Azipod vessel operation and propulsion system behavior in all conditions to resource management and bridge communication. After the course the crew will be able to fully utilize the flexibility of the propulsion system, identify potential malfunctions of the propulsion system and cope with them without sacrificing vessel safety. The new course will complement the portfolio of 35 different courses offered by the Marine Academy.

Captain Takashi Saito, Marine Manager from MOL LNG Transport took the new course and said, “The training was way beyond my expectations. We look forward to sending other seafarers to expand their knowledge of polar conditions.”

Micael Vuorio, Training Manager at Aboa Mare said “We are pleased to continue our cooperation with ABB on designing the best courses available at the market. Aboa Mare provides a diversified training portfolio, including training according to the Polar Code, as well as training for Baltic ice conditions and this expertise is also included in to ABB´s new training course.”

Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business

About ABB´s Marine Academy

ABB´s Marine Academy offers a wide portfolio of product and system courses with options for on-site training and coaching.

About ABB

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leading global technology company in power and automation that enables utility, industry, and transport & infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.

About Aboa Mare

Founded in 1813, Aboa Mare has over 200 years of experience in training the best mariners for the global market. Aboa Mare provides a diversified training portfolio, including Basic and Advanced training according to the Polar Code, as well as training for Baltic ice conditions. Shiphandling in ice, ice management training and specialized ice training according to the needs of the customer. The strongest asset of Aboa Mare is the ability to tailor-make courses for shipping companies.