Electric propulsion technology to ensure flexible and efficient transportation of super-heavy cargos with reduced emissions
Beijing, China, Jan. 24, 2008 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won a contract from COSCO Shipping Co., Ltd. (COSCOL) to provide complete electric propulsion systems for two new, heavy-lift vessels to provide operational flexibility, reliability and fuel efficiency. The vessels will be China’s largest semi-submersible heavy-lift vessels.
COSCOL is part of the China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), which specializes in the transportation of oversized and super-heavy cargoes, and those with special loading and discharging requirements. The new 50,000-ton vessels will transport semi-submersible drilling rigs and other heavy cargoes, tripling the capacity of COSCOL’s semi-submersible heavy-lift fleet to 130 kilotons.
“We are very happy to supply our energy-efficient technology and participate in the development of China’s marine industry.” said Tobias Becker, Head of Process Automation of ABB China and North Asia. “Next to a conventional diesel engine, ABB’s electric propulsion system offers higher operational flexibility, enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.”
ABB has supplied a number of Chinese orders for electric propulsion systems, including an Azipod® electronic POD propulsion system for China’s first domestically designed 3,000-ton scientific survey ship, which sharply increased the vessel’s fuel efficiency.
ABB will supply a complete electric propulsion solution, including main generators, switchboards, propulsion units and automation systems. All of the design, engineering, installation and commissioning will be carried out by ABB Marine, China, along with project management, staff training and after-sales service. The delivery will be made in two batches, beginning in early 2009.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in about 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and service, with 12,000 employees, 25 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 38 cities. To know more about ABB, visit www.abb.com.cn.