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Colombo Dockyard has placed an order with ABB for an integrated propulsion system for an advanced cable-laying and repair vessel that will support offshore wind farms.
The high-tech vessel will be delivered by Sri Lanka’s leading shipbuilder in 2023, joining the Orange Marine France fleet, which now accounts for 15 % of the world’s specialised cable laying and repair ships. The 100m vessel will feature a power, propulsion and automation package from ABB, including twin 1.8 megawatt Azipod units selected to meet the shipowner’s requirements for high transit speeds with maximum fuel efficiency while providing the 360-degree manoeuvrability to ensure station-keeping performance even in challenging weather conditions. Also integral to the package is an ABB energy storage system enabling electrical power back-up using 500 kWh batteries, which will reduce fuel consumption during cable work and ensure continuity in the event of an unexpected shutdown.
The vessel, needed for both cable laying and repair, has been developed by Norway’s Vard Design, a Fincantieri Company, to meet specific priorities on power consumption and performance. Station-keeping accuracy and manoeuvrability are essential for what can be complex cable laying and repair operations, while the ship also needs relatively high speeds to achieve rapid or urgent deployment.
“We look forward to working with ABB on this highly advanced, modern vessel that will no doubt set new standards for cable ships in term of superior performance and eco-friendly operations,” said D.V. Abeysinghe, Managing Director and CEO of Colombo Dockyard.
