From shore to high seas: how ABB solutions deliver safety to the marine industry

Safety and reliability are vital considerations within the marine industry - one of the most challenging operational environments to be found. Products specified and installed within this sector have to face the particular damaging effects from the wind, wave and salt spray conditions in vastly exposed areas.

As a global leader in automation and electrification, ABB has a vital role to play in providing advanced solutions that enhance marine safety. Our technologies and solutions contribute to safe and sustainable operations for a wide range of vessels, from cargo ships to passenger ferries. ABB’s electric propulsion systems, for example, offer superior control and reliability, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and enhancing manoeuvrability.

ABB also delivers integrated power and automation systems that allow real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics. These technologies help crews detect potential issues early, enabling preventive maintenance and reducing the likelihood of accidents or breakdowns. Automation solutions also ensure safer operations by optimizing the performance of systems such as navigation, power management, and steering.

Learn more about some of ABB’s leading solutions for the marine industry.

Transforming safety with electric propulsion

The performance and manoeuvrability benefits offered by electric propulsion, such as ABB’s revolutionary Azipod® system and ABB Dynafin™, can greatly enhance ship safety.

More manoeuvrability
The ability of Azipod® propulsion to rotate through 360 degrees delivers better manoeuvrability compared to traditional shaftline systems, allowing more precise navigation while saving fuel and time. The ABB Dynafin™ propulsion concept generates thrust by means of profiled blades that project from the bottom of the ship. Each blade can rotate both around the global axis of a main wheel and around its own local axis. The propulsor can also change thrust direction almost instantaneously, increasing vessel manouverability.

Safer emergency stops
ABB Ability™ Marine Braking Assistance enables emergency stops at the click of a button. The automated procedure ensures the vessel comes to a full stop in a fast and safe manner. It enables crew to stay focused on the situation and steer the vessel out of danger.

Safety in icy waters
Icebreaking ships equipped with Azipod® propulsion can navigate through ice with no need for a dedicated ice-breaking vessel – meeting the stringent Polar Code of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Learn how a Norwegian coastguard vessel with Azipod® propulsion reached the North Pole.

Electrical benefits for conventionally propelled vessels
Vessels using conventional propulsion can also benefit from ABB electrical solutions. Tugs, for example, benefit from the immediate responsiveness and quick thrust of all-electric propulsion.

ABB’s Direct Torque Control (DTC) featured in ACS880LC Multidrives provides the fine control and rapid response times needed in demanding circumstances. The heat-dissipation properties of the ACS880LC promote a cleaner, safer working environment.

Enhancing crew safety

Multiple digital and automated solutions have been developed by ABB to improve crews’ working environment, overall safety and vessel performance.

Simplified and safer control: ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control allows innovative assisted vessel control during all operational modes including manoeuvring, transit, and position-keeping using a joystick and touch screen.

Other solutions, such as control software in ABB drives, allow safe operation of onboard winches and hoists to prevent rope tangles and overlaps.

Cargo safety

The safe transport of cargo is addressed by the ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS marine advisory system with the following benefits:

Real-time decision support and motion monitoring.
Forecasting and monitoring the vessel’s movements, helping to avoid damage to, or loss of, cargo.
Route optimization based on motion forecasts, ensuring safer and more efficient voyages.

Creating safer living environments

Lower emissions around busy harbors are enabled by ABB’s Shore Connection solutions, available onshore in terminals and on board ships. NOx, and particulate matter, noise and vibration are all reduced. 

ABB’s multiple solutions for a variety of ship types and different onshore requirements include direct-to-shore electrical connections where medium voltage systems are required.
On-shore energy storage to protect the local grid from power surges, increasing grid safety and security.
ABB’s shore connection technology removes the need for ships to use auxiliary diesel engines while docked.

Safety in numbers

ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations ensure that vessels operating in remote or harsh environments, or carrying passengers, have access to remote diagnostic and on-call repairs, by integrating real-time data from multiple sources.

Cross-geo experts working together with onboard teams and onshore staff can help identify and resolve potential issues, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving maritime safety.

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Transforming safety with electric propulsion

Enhancing crew safety

Cargo safety

Creating safer living environments

Safety in numbers