Most advanced cable laying vessel featuring ABB Onboard DC Grid and marine software crowned ‘Ship of the Year’

30 May, 2017 (Lillestrøm, Norway) – The most advanced cable laying vessel on the seas, featuring a wide range of ABB hardware and software, has been crowned ‘Ship of the Year’ by a prestigious maritime publication.

NKT Victoria was given the accolade by Skipsrevyen at Nor-Shipping, the year’s marquee shipping conference, in recognition of the vessel’s cutting-edge technology which includes Onboard DC Grid, Azipod® propulsion and marine software. The award was given in the presence of HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus.

“The ABB solutions that are onboard NKT Victoria contribute to what it is the most efficient, connected and safe vessels of its type on the seas. We would like to congratulate Kleven Shipyard and the owner NKT, who both played pivotal roles in building and designing this magnificent vessel” said Sindre Sætre, ABB’s Director of Marine and Ports in Norway.

ABB’s Onboard DC Grid system will increase the efficiency of the vessel by allowing the ship’s engines to work at variable speed, in combination with energy storage for peak shaving and enhanced dynamic performance, optimizing the energy consumption and reducing engine maintenance. Energy storage is also used for back-up for shore connection during cable loading, allowing the ship to be emission free during cable loading.

Three Azipod® C units will maximize the manoeuvrability of the ship and operate in DP3 mode when required. Azipod propulsion is significantly more fuel efficient than traditional propulsion systems, saving in excess of 700 000 tonnes of fuel since its introduction more than twenty-five years ago.

The Azipod thrusters are amongst thirty-six main components that send out in excess of 1500 signals, culminating in a daily data package of approximately 80 megabytes – allowing the assets onboard to be remotely monitored. Data is not only analyzed on the vessel but also sent to shore through ABB’s Remote Diagnostics System to the ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operation Centers, giving insight into the performance of the vessel. This allows troubleshooting in the event of equipment failure as well as better-informed maintenance.

From ABB’s marine software, the Performance Management System and Voyage Advisory System is installed on the cable layer. These support systems helps the crew to optimize energy efficiency onboard the vessel and ensures safe and efficient voyage execution. ABB’s marine software assists ship officers and engineers in making real time decisions enabling them to be proactive in safety and efficiency actions, resulting in more immediate benefits than just traditional post voyage analysis.

Video:

From the seabed to the cloud: constructing the most advanced cable laying vessel

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing more than a 125-year history of innovation, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees.
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