ABB has secured a contract with Spanish state-owned shipbuilding and design company Navantia to supply two forthcoming Spanish coastal hydrographic vessels with a complete DC-based power distribution and propulsion system.
Scheduled for delivery by 2028, the new vessels will play a critical role in mapping and studying Spain’s coastal waters, contributing to national defence, environmental monitoring, and maritime safety. ABB’s integrated scope of supply – comprising Onboard DC Grid with PEMS power and energy management system, transformers, thruster motors, and batteries – will optimise the vessels’ energy efficiency and operational flexibility while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. As part of the project, ABB will also handle all system integration processes including engineering, testing, and commissioning for the ABB scope.
Onboard DC Grid is a described as a compact and lightweight modular power system platform ideally suited to specialised vessels operating in complex environments. It supports a variety of applications in the low- to mid-power range, while its fault tolerance is intended to maximise safety and reliability of the new vessels. In combination with ABB’s PEMS system, Onboard DC Grid will optimise the hydrographic vessels’ total power resources including variable speed generators, energy storage systems and integration of future energy sources.
Alberto Cervantes, Director, Corvettes and Maritime Action Ships Business, Navantia, said: “ABB has shown to be a dependable and capable technology partner over our two previous collaborations involving the Spanish Navy. This collaboration will enhance the new hydrographic vessels performance and energy efficiency. The forthcoming coastal hydrographic vessels will operate in demanding environments, where the energy efficiency, reliability and flexibility of ABB’s Onboard DC Grid will prove invaluable.”
Sindre Satre, Business Line Manager, Coast Guard and Navy, ABB’s Marine & Ports division, added: “We are honoured that Navantia and the Spanish Navy have once again chosen ABB’s power solution for these two new coastal hydrographic vessels. We look forward to taking the next step in our partnership with both parties as we collaborate on this exciting project, which underscores our dedication to advancing naval innovation through electrification and digitalisation.”
Image: Spanish hydrographic vessel (credit: Navantia)
