ABB has secured an order with one of the largest offshore shipbuilders in China, Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore, to deliver an integrated bridge-to-propeller technology for Havfram Wind’s two new NG20000X-HF Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs).
The vessels, incorporating the latest battery-hybrid drivetrain technology, are expected to be among the most energy-efficient designs to operate in the offshore wind industry. Other features are the capability of installing offshore wind turbines with a rotor diameter of more than 300m, as well as XXL monopiles weighing up to 3,000t at water depths of up to 70m.
The ABB package comprises four Azipod electric main propulsion units with a total propulsion power of 17 MW; the Onboard DC Grid power distribution system; a 4.1MWh energy storage installation; ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control with DP System for advanced vessel control, as well as a comprehensive package of automation and digital technology. Once in operation, the vessels will be able to connect digitally to the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations network for remote support and predictive maintenance.
Latest predictions by DNV suggest that by 2050, offshore wind will provide as much energy as offshore oil. The Havfram Wind vessels will have specific future-proofing capabilities as the offshore wind sector is progressively moving further offshore. These capabilities include instant load power and enhanced dynamic performance available to batteries, plus the manoeuvrability and station-keeping accuracy brought by Azipod propulsion. In addition, weight benefits provided by the Azipod propulsion system can be up to 30% compared to traditional mechanical thruster solutions.
Designed to optimise vessel responsiveness, efficiency and safety, ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control allows for seamless transition from position control to joystick manoeuvring. The DP2 functionality adds redundancy in technical design, ensuring that in the event of a single system fault, the vessel’s position will be maintained. This is particularly important for safe and reliable operations of construction and wind farm vessels working alongside fixed structures.
Even Larsen, CEO Havfram Wind said: “The performance of our Wind Turbine Installation Vessels will be pivotal in meeting the needs of the offshore wind market today and tomorrow. To ensure superior performance, we chose the broad scope of ABB power, control, propulsion and automation technology, complemented by the through-life support from ABB’s remote diagnostics and global service capabilities.”
The new Havfram Wind vessels will benefit from ABB’s experience in closed-bus and closed-ring solutions for DP vessels. Closed bus-tie and closed ring operations are believed to bring significant benefits and efficiency gains compared to traditional open-ring solutions which require a greater number of online engines and total installed power. They meet critical safety regulations, increase operational flexibility, efficiency, and allow cost savings.
Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine and Ports said: “We at ABB are in these projects to support the customer throughout the vessel lifetime, and being able to deliver future-proof solutions is of utmost importance for us. I am especially proud of this order, demonstrating the benefits of efficiency, safety and reliability our bridge-to-propeller solution can deliver to our customers in this rapidly growing and demanding market.”
