The solution, for the first time in its history, was to become a vessel owner rather than a charterer
September 19, 2015
Norwegian shipbuilder Kleven is to build an advanced 140 m x 30 m cable-laying vessel for 2017 delivery. It has been ordered by ABB to boost the capacity of its submarine cable operations while achieving greater efficiency and precision.
The vessel will be custom built to ABB specifications, with Norway’s Salt Ship Design working closely with ABB, the shipyard and MAATS Tech of the U.K., which is responsible for the integration of the cable lay mission equipment in the design development. The resulting SALT 306 design, says Salt, is “very comprehensive and fit for purpose.”
“This next-generation vessel incorporating state-of-the-art ABB technologies will be a key differentiator for our high-voltage cable business, enhancing flexibility and execution ability,” said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s Power Systems division. “It will also improve operational efficiency and customer focus, supporting profitable growth in line with our Next Level strategy.”
The new ship will deploy many of ABB’s own leading marine technologies. The award-winning Onboard DC Grid and power distribution solution, for instance, will use a single DC circuit for ship propulsion to reduce power consumption.
The vessel will set new standards for reliability and accuracy and will be equipped with roll-reduction tanks and the subsea operations will be executed and monitored by a remotely operated vehicle using cameras and sonar, avoiding the need for divers.
The vessel will also feature a complete ABB Integrated Automation System and three Azipod propulsion units. Together with energy storage system for marine applications it will cut fuel consumption by 27 percent and reduce maintenance compared to traditional AC systems.
