AZIPODS CHOSEN FOR NEWBUILD GREEN JACK-UP

Aug 24, 2022 | offshore marine news

ABB has secured a contract with Yantai CIMC Raffles Shipyard in China to supply an integrated power, automation and propulsion system for a newbuild jack-up vessel (JUV) for Dutch marine contractor Van Oord

The vessel, Boreas, which is anticipated to be one of the most technologically advanced on the market, is due for delivery in the second part of 2024. Boreas will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced hybridized JUVs in operation, measuring 175m in length. It will be able to lift over 3,000t and will feature 126m tall legs allowing it to operate at depths of up to 70m jacked up, with a capacity to install up to 20MW offshore wind turbines.

Harold Linssen, Project Director, Van Oord, said: “Projects involving dynamically positioned vessels, especially JUVs, call for a systems supplier with specialist experience and expertise as well as a proven portfolio of integrated power and propulsion solutions. Having collaborated with ABB in the past, we know that not only does ABB meet all of these requirements; they also offer global support during the project and throughout the lifecycle of the vessel. We are looking forward to collaborating with ABB on this project to shape the future of offshore wind farm installation.”

Shiyan Sun, Director, Supply Chain Management Centre, Yantai CIMC Raffles, said: “ABB is our long-term partner and I believe we can enhance the business relationship with ABB by working together for VAN Oord Jack Up Vessel. The ease of installing the Azipod system was another key factor in our decision to contract ABB; it is a matter of plugging the ready-made units into the vessel hull, saving considerable time and effort in the construction process.”

Boreas will be equipped with four Azipod propulsion units with a combined propulsion power of 16MW, offering significant space and weight savings as well as facilitating optimal ship design, allowing the vessel to transport heavier loads. In addition, ABB’s hybrid-electric propulsion system is fully future-proof as it allows integration of new energy sources once they become available.

ABB’s package includes a closed-ring configuration for safer, more efficient and more predictable operations. Furthermore, through its spinning-reserve and peak-load-shaving capabilities, ABB’s energy storage system will act as a back-up power source while reducing engine running hours to minimise wear and fuel consumption. Van Oord will also be able to leverage the ABB Ability Marine Remote Diagnostic System for the continuous remote equipment monitoring, as well as optimised machinery and planned maintenance activities, helping reduce maintenance costs. Meanwhile, the ABB Ability Octopus Marine Advisory System will enable performance management, predictive maintenance and voyage optimisation.

Rune Braastad, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB Marine and Ports, said: “We are proud to have been chosen to provide power and propulsion for Boreas, based on our experience in the offshore JUV market and our ability to tailor products and solutions to the needs of the owner, operator and shipyard. This project further confirms that our integrated package comprising power, energy storage, automation, control and digital solutions is the preferred choice for vessels that need to be future-proof and environmentally friendly.”

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