- New parametric roll algorithm combines CMA CGM theoretical framework with ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS Marine Advisory system
- Solution will help to improve safety and operational efficiency, reduce unplanned downtime, and minimize risks for cargo damage and loss at sea, which can lead to marine pollution
- Parametric roll is a severe and hard-to-predict challenge related to wave-hull interaction, particularly affecting container ships, ro-pax vessels and car carriers
25 March 2025 – Technology leader ABB, and the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, are collaborating on a new parametric roll algorithm to improve ship safety. The solution integrates a theoretical framework developed by CMA CGM into the ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS Marine Advisory system.
From left to right: Jean-Baptiste François, Fleet Center Manager, CMA CGM; Jocelyn Rapp, Senior Project Manager, CMA CGM; Emmanuel Delran, Vice President Group Operations, CMG CGM; Jaap-Jan Stoker, Global Solution Manager, ABB Marine & Ports; Osku Kälkäjä, Head of Digital Business, ABB Marine & Ports; Tomas Arhippainen, Head of Marine Service and Digital; ABB Marine & Ports; Jimi Lipponen, Digital Service Manager, ABB Marine & Ports – image credit ABB
Parametric rolling has been a challenge to ship safety for decades. Particularly affecting container ships, ro-pax vessels, and car carriers, it means that a vessel experiences large rolling motions as it moves in waves. The phenomenon is hard to predict and poses a threat to vessel, cargo, and crew safety.
By detecting and helping to prevent extreme parametric rolling, the new algorithm will help enhance operational safety by reducing the risk of accidents, vessel damage, and cargo loss at sea. By reducing the risk of cargo loss incidents at sea that can lead to oceanic pollution, it will help protect the marine environment. Preventing parametric roll incidents can also help avoiding potential costs associated with repairs and cargo damage. Furthermore, through its integration into ABB’s OCTOPUS system, the solution will allow real-time monitoring and response, improving voyage efficiency and reducing downtime caused by adverse weather conditions.
As part of its commitment to the safety of its crew members, vessels and customers’ cargo, CMA CGM will deploy the solution across its global fleet and offer comprehensive training services for the users. These trainings will also be available for the wider shipping industry. ABB’s scope of supply covers the installation of the OCTOPUS onboard system as well as complete engineering, project management, and commissioning services.
“We are excited to collaborate with ABB on this parametric roll algorithm, a groundbreaking integration of the CMA CGM theoretical framework with the ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS Marine Advisory system. This solution not only enhances safety and operational efficiency but also helps to minimize risks for cargo damage and loss at sea. This collaboration represents a major leap forward for the industry, enabling more efficient operations and safer voyages,” said Emmanuel Delran, Vice President Group Operations, CMA CGM Group.
“Recent development in the maritime sector has focused increasingly on safety and sustainability,” said Tomas Arhippainen, Head of Marine Service and Digital, ABB Marine & Ports. “Our partnership with CMA CGM on the parametric roll algorithm underscores our commitment to improving vessel safety and operational efficiency as well as contributing to environmental protection. By providing a tool that helps to mitigate the risks associated with parametric roll, we are taking a meaningful step forward in the global shipping industry.”
ABB and CMA CGM have a longstanding relationship, with around 200 vessels equipped with ABB’s OCTOPUS system. Building on that, this new collaboration sets a benchmark for safety and technological advancement, encouraging also other companies to develop and adopt new innovations.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
