ABB is to supply power systems for the Japanese offshore wind market’s first self-elevating wind turbine installation vessel.
The company will deliver a closed ring configuration for the vessel’s dynamic positioning (DP) operations, enabling safe and predictable performance with high tolerance in the event of the power plant fault.
The scope of supply also covers the delivery and system integration of generators, high voltage switchboard system, the variable speed drives and motors for main propulsion and bow thrusters, and the power and energy management system (PEMS).
The 28,000 gigatonne jack-up ship is on order from builder Japan Marine United Corporation and is due for delivery to Shimizu Corporation in 2022.
Shimizu’s 142-metre wind turbine installation vessel will feature a 2500 tonne crane capable of a maximum lift height of 158 metres and will be able to transport and install seven 8MW wind turbines in a single voyage and operate in waters ranging between 10 and 65 metres deep.
ABB marine and ports managing director Juha Koskela said: “We are honoured to work with Shimizu Corp. and Japan Marine United Corporation in delivering this landmark vessel to the Japanese market at this important stage of the country’s renewable energy strategy.”
The company is also supplying its remote diagnostics technology and service as part of the scope.
The network uses remote equipment monitoring and data analytics to enable predictive maintenance, planned interventions or remote technical assistance, supported from seven existing shore-based ABB marine and ports’ operations centres.