ABB has secured a contract with Sri Lankan shipbuilder Colombo Dockyard PLC to supply a fully integrated electrical power, propulsion and automation system for two newbuild hybrid cable repair vessels for shipowner Orange Marine, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Orange Group specialising in submarine cable work.
Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, the hybrid-electric ships will be responsible for maintaining cables in the Atlantic and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Black and Red seas. This order follows the previous successful collaboration with both Orange Marine and Colombo Dockyard.
ABB’s integrated propulsion solution features Azipod DO propulsion units with Compact RCS (remote control system) to optimise manoeuvrability and thrust performance, enabling the vessels to carry out complex cable repair operations with precision. In addition to its reliability and efficiency, the gearless design of the Azipod units helps to minimise the need for lubrication oil. This reduces the need for maintenance and thereby lowers operating costs. The technology’s compact footprint is designed to provide flexibility and facilitate efficient installation.
Orange Marine’s forthcoming ships will feature the ABB Ability 800xA integrated automation system, which allows the crew to operate all systems and equipment from a single user environment, as well as a fully integrated energy storage system (ESS) for reduced fuel consumption and GHG emissions. ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system offers optimal use of total onboard power resources, and ABB Ability remote diagnostic system provides fast and accurate technical assistance around the clock for increased uptime, cost efficiency and operational safety. ABB’s scope of supply covers generators, low-voltage switchboards, propulsion and thruster drives, thruster motors and transformers.
Didier Dillard, Orange Marine CEO, said: “Cable repair operations demand exceptional manoeuvrability, reliability and energy efficiency. The integration of ABB’s Azipod propulsion, energy management and automation solutions will enhance our vessels’ ability to perform complex subsea interventions safely and efficiently, while supporting our objectives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across our fleet.”
Thimira S Godakumbura, MD and CEO, Colombo Dockyard, added: “ABB’s proven expertise in marine electrical and propulsion systems made them a natural choice as partner for this project. Their technology supports our vision of delivering highly efficient, future-ready vessels for critical subsea cable operations.”
Saara Kuusisto, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “Subsea cable systems are the backbone of the global digital economy, and ABB’s selection to provide the integrated power, propulsion and automation systems for these new ships underscores our commitment to supporting resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure worldwide. ABB shares a strong relationship with Orange Marine and Colombo Dockyard, based on a legacy of successfully executed projects. We are proud to continue our collaboration with them on this landmark project that combines strong shipbuilding expertise with advanced electrical and propulsion technologies to set new benchmarks for cable ship performance.”
Image: The new cable maintenance vessels will be sister ships to the ‘Sophie Germain’ (credit: Orange Marine)
