ABB to supply equipment for six new Portuguese Navy’s OPVs

Equipment provider ABB has secured a contract with the West Sea Shipyard located in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, to supply six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) of the Portuguese Navy with an integrated power, propulsion and automation system.

As informed, the new vessels, which are planned to be delivered between 2027 – 2031, will be equipped with the Azipod propulsion system, the Onboard DC Grid power system platform and the control system ABB Ability System 800xA. Combined, the solutions are expected to enable increased operational efficiencies for the vessels, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Azipod electric propulsion, which will, reportedly, optimize the efficiency of the forthcoming vessels, is a gearless, steerable propulsion system in which the electric drive motor is housed within a pod outside the ship’s hull, allowing the unit to rotate 360 degrees. ABB claimed that by increasing the maneuverability and operating efficiency of vessels, the Azipod propulsion system helps to cut fuel consumption compared with conventional shaftline systems.

Onboard DC Grid is a modular and compact power system platform which is said to offer several benefits compared to its AC counterpart. The solution, allegedly, enables savings in weight and space, and facilitates the integration of variable speed generators, energy storage systems and new energy sources to future-proof vessels for evolving requirements. According to ABB, by optimizing power usage, the Onboard DC Grid “significantly” reduces fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to maritime decarbonization.

It is understood that the ABB Ability System 800xA is a comprehensive automation solution designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of marine vessels. ABB explained that it integrates various systems and equipment on board, providing a “single user environment for seamless operations.” This system, reportedly, allows the crew to access all necessary information from an intuitive, single-screen interface, making it easier to operate the vessel more effectively and safely.

Note that as part of the equipment package, ABB will also supply its power and energy management system PEMS. In combination with Onboard DC Grid, the system forms the core of a vessel’s combined power and control system, ABB said, adding that this enables optimal use of the vessel’s total power resources in a “safe, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly manner.”

Renato Amorim, Director, West Sea Shipyard, commented: “ABB’s pioneering and proven integrated power, propulsion, and automation system was a choice of confidence for us providing flexibility, reliability, performance as well as fuel efficiency for better environmental performance. We look forward to collaborating with our trusted partner ABB on this exciting project.”

Sindre Satre, Business Line Manager, Coast Guard and Navy, ABB Marine & Ports, stated: “We are honored that West Sea Shipyard and the Portuguese Navy have chosen our power, propulsion and automation solution for these six high-specification offshore patrol vessels. Our integrated systems already have a strong track record in the commercial market, and they are increasingly being specified for naval vessels, too. We look forward to collaborating and developing our partnership with West Sea and the Portuguese Navy on this exciting project.”

It is worth mentioning that ABB’s recent orders in the coast guard and naval market include contracts for the German, Spanish, Dutch and Belgian navies, as well as for the Canadian Coast Guard and Finnish Border Guard.

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