ABB Powers And Propels Wind-Farm Installation Vessel
ABB will supply an integrated electrical power and propulsion system for the first wind-farm installation vessel to be ordered by Swire Blue Ocean. ABB’s brief specifies that the shallow draught vessel can maximise manoeuvrability in depths up to 75 m. The Knud E.Hansen designed vessel, which is under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries for Swire Pacific Offshore acquisition Blue Ocean, is due to be delivered in June 2012.
The vessel, which is expected to be deployed in European waters, will feature an integrated electrical drive system working in tandem with four Azipod C units, fitted aft. This is ABB’s new generation compact Azipod propulsion solution, which has been designed for construction simplicity, and for both bollard pull and transit requirements. The four Azipod C units, to be delivered by ABB Marine’s Shanghai factory in the second and third quarter of 2011, will each be rated at 3400 kW.
Critical Factors
Designed for installation of wind turbines and foundations, the vessel will offer a significantly improved operating weather window compared to existing ships, with crane capability of 1,200 tons, DP2 station keeping, a transit speed in excess of 13 knots and single cabin accommodation for 111 people. Critical factors in the equipment selection process include the compactness of the Azipod C units, easier installation and their minimal use of lubrication oil. In addition, the all-electric Azipod solution consumes less fuel and thus cuts emissions when compared to conventional propulsion equipment.
Signficant
“The order is significant because it demonstrates ABB’s position as a total system integrator for power, electrical propulsion and the new Azipod C system, and also because it confirms that ABB’s electrical systems are recognized in the wind turbine installation vessel sector,” said Heikki Soljama, Head of Marine and Cranes Business Unit. The contract underscores ABB’s market leading position in the supply of electrical packages. One wind turbine installation ship has already been delivered in China that features ABB systems and two more are under construction. A further two ABB-equipped wind turbine installation vessels are being built in South Korea and two more are scheduled for delivery in Singapore and Indonesia.