The Roboship hybrid-electric vessel being developed by the e5 Lab consortium, comprising Asahi Tanker Co, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui OSK Lines and Mitsubishi Corporation, will be equipped with ABB’s complete modularised electrical propulsion package.
The compact DC distribution system will allow the vessel to draw on multiple energy sources, enhancing efficiency and future-proofing it for emission-free operations.
The e5 Lab Roboship design is for a 70m long, 499gt biomass fuel carrier, powered by a standardised, electric propulsion system to attain zero emission operations in harbour. Built by Honda Heavy Industries, the hybrid vessel will, as well as potential zerocarbon operation, enable reduced noise and vibration, lower maintenance costs, and improved steering capabilities to simplify make pier docking and undocking operations.
ABB’s full scope of supply includes a standard sytem package comprising hardware for electric propulsion, including propulsion motors, DSC switchboards, energy storage batteries and generators, and ABB Ability Marine Remote Diagnostic System for continuous monitoring and remote support.
Yasumasa Suetsugu, CTO e5 Lab, said: “The collaboration with ABB has been beyond our expectations in delivering world-leading technology and efficiency, the ultimate in safety and reliability, specific size and weight reductions, that is unique to coastal vessels. Furthermore, the high digital compatibility will help reduce both operations and maintenance costs. Our goal is to make a significant contribution to resolving the environmental challenges and reducing crew workload which face coastal shipping in Japan.”
Masao Akamatsu, President, IHI Power Systems, said: “Our marine power systems team chose to work with ABB based on their excellent global reputation as an integrator of marine electrical systems and reliable, high quality products and services.”
Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “We are honoured to have been selected for this groundbreaking project that will play a significant part in the efforts to decarbonise Japanese shipping. Electric-powered ships are key to the shipping industry’s sustainable future – and we take pride in providing our customers with highly efficient electric propulsion solutions that are compliant with today’s regulations and allow integrating with emissions-free energy sources in the future.”
ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system is modular and can be built to suit various vessel types, from ocean-going ships to small lower-power vessels operating over shorter distances and on inland waterways. The solution future-proofs ships to draw on clean energy sources for zero-emissions operations – without compromising speed or sailing range. Onboard DC Grid reduces the footprint of the electrical equipment by eliminating the need for bulky transformers and main switchboards. This creates more space for cargo, provides greater flexibility in the positioning of system components on board the vessel and increases payload capacity.
