ABB - Experts & Thought Leaders

ABB has been awarded a large order by Seatrium, a provider of marine engineering solutions based in Singapore, for the supply of electrical equipment and automation solutions on a new generation of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels for operator Petrobras. The two vessels – P-84 and P-85 – will be deployed in the Atapu and Sépia fields, approximately 200 kilometres off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. ABB Ability™ System 800xA® ABB will design and make the topside and hullside electrical tools, electrical substation automation ABB will design and construct the topside and hullside electrical equipment, electrical substation automation and eHouses for both FPSOs. Petrobras will utilise the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® and IEC 61850 technologies for substation automation, which allow for seamless interoperability between Intelligent Electrical Devices and enhances operational efficiency and system reliability.  In a first for Petrobras, the P-84 and P-85 vessels will also feature an all-electric concept, which focuses on efficient power generation and increased energy efficiency, by using electrically driven compressors and motors to produce 165 MW power generation capacity. ABB’s three Is-limiter configuration The project also marks the first offshore application of ABB’s three Is-limiter configuration which, due to the FPSOs’ high-power capacity, is vital to ensuring short circuits are managed effectively. Is-limiters are fast-acting devices that prevent damage to electrical components and reduce mechanical and thermal stress by limiting the short-circuit current before it reaches its peak value. FPSO topside systems ABB’s Sorocaba factory– found 85 km west of São Paulo in Brazil–will simulate the UniGear ZS1 switchboard Constructed by ABB Singapore, the FPSO topside systems will be installed in an ABB eHouse - a prefabricated transportable substation designed to house medium voltage and low voltage switchgear, critical power equipment and automation cabinets. ABB’s Sorocaba factory – located 85 kilometres west of São Paulo in Brazil – will manufacture the UniGear ZS1 switchboard, which is used to distribute electric power safely and reliably in demanding applications. Offshore energy industry “The offshore energy industry requires innovative solutions and technologies, at scale and at pace, to support an effective and secure energy market,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “With our ability to meet advanced technical requirements and high safety standards, along with our deep commitment to energy efficiency, we look forward to working with Seatrium on this large-scale and complex project.” Growth sector for offshore energy The Brazilian FPSO market continues to be a growth sector for offshore energy, with potential investment estimated at $21 billion in 2026-2027, set against a global FPSO market projected to reach a value of $46.2 billion by 2033. Construction of the P-84 and P-85 FPSOs has been ongoing since 2024, with delivery of ABB’s eHouses expected by 2027. Each vessel will have a production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day–at a time when total global supply capacity is forecast to rise to nearly 114 million barrels a day by 2030, according to the IEA.

The commissioning of France’s largest-ever shore power solution for ships at the Port of Toulon has been completed. Operational since February 13, the installation is currently in its final acceptance period. The consortium responsible for delivering the installation was led by ABB, comprising also construction company Eiffage Construction and electrical installation company - Fauché responsible for building and civil engineering services. The facility supports cruise and ferry vessels The facility now offers connections at 11kV and 6.6 KV voltage levels and frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz The facility now offers connections at 11kV and 6.6 KV voltage levels and frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz, supporting both cruise and ferry formats. This allows supporting port calls by three ferries simultaneously, or one cruise ship. In addition, the port is equipped with the necessary technology to connect a 1MW hydrogen fuel cell system. Today, it is the only operational solution in France capable of simultaneously supplying multiple vessels – ferries and cruise ships alike – from a single conversion station, thanks to a digitalised smart grid network architecture. Port of Toulon plays a key role in the business community “The delivery of this project is an important milestone for Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis as a major Mediterranean port to provide shore power across all of its docks,” said Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis, adding “Located in the heart of the city, the port plays a central role in the business community and in the lives of our residents.” Jean-Pierre Giran continues, “With the support of our co-founders and partners – the European Union, the French State, the Sud PACA Region, the Departmental Council, and ADEME – we are eliminating over 80 percent of polluting emissions, saving 9,000 hours of diesel operation per year, and significantly reducing noise and vibrations. The reduction in sulfur emissions alone will be equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars annually.” The shore connection system The shore connection system, implemented by ABB, allows ships to turn off their diesel generators in port The shore connection system, developed and led by the Métropole and implemented by ABB, allows ships to turn off their diesel generators in port, supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets for shipping to achieve net-zero emissions by or around 20501.  As of the beginning of May, the Mediterranean has become the fifth IMO Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter, which means that ships operating in the area will be required to use marine fuel with reduced sulphur content. Port of Toulon reduces carbon, SOx and NOx emissions The Port of Toulon handles around 1,500 calls from ferries, cruise vessels, and cargo vessels annually. With shore power available, the city will be able to significantly reduce carbon, SOx and NOx emissions and noise at berth. In addition, ship owners will save on fuel costs. The Toulon project is a key part of regional 'Zero-smoke stopovers' plans for Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Région Sud PACA) which also include shore power for Marseille and Nice. New smart grid network architecture using digital technology “Technically innovative, this project introduces a new smart grid network architecture using digital technology to manage energy flows from multiple interconnected sources,” said Frédéric Mestivier, Designer and Technical Director of the electrification project for the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée, adding “The infrastructure maximises overall energy efficiency, while minimising the carbon footprint.” The innovative system designed by Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis integrates ABB equipment that can store energy ashore, helping to smooth out peak energy demand from vessels and balancing loads dynamically. System works seamlessly with new renewable energy sources This allows the system to work seamlessly with emerging renewable energy sources This allows the system to work seamlessly with emerging renewable energy sources, with solar power and batteries already integrated and help to optimise the cost of energy delivered from the 20kV Enedis grid line. “It has been an honor to contribute to Port of Toulon’s success in leading this innovative installation,” said Marcus Martelin, Service Line Manager for Decarbonisation Services, ABB Marine & Ports, adding “This can be regarded as a milestone and a model example for all ports in the Mediterranean and globally. ABB’s shore power solution has established itself as one of the key technologies that continue to drive decarbonisation in shipping.” ABB delivers a comprehensive scope of equipment ABB has delivered a comprehensive scope of equipment, including battery energy storage and solar panel integration, as well as full engineering project management. As a major in electric shipping and smart port technology, ABB offers a wide range of shore power solutions, including infrastructure onshore and onboard vessels. ABB’s shore connection technology has already been integrated by over 50 ports worldwide to drive maritime decarbonisation.

ABB announced the launch of the AMXE Marine Motor, a next-generation electric propulsion solution engineered to withstand the tough conditions at sea, including continuous exposure to corrosive saltwater and powerful ocean currents. Drawing on decades of experience in marine applications and heavy-duty industries like mining and rail, ABB has developed this motor specifically for small to mid-sized electric and hybrid vessels and open deck applications, combining proven durability, high performance, and installation flexibility into one compact package. ABB’s motor portfolio In ABB’s motor portfolio, AMXE Marine Motor delivers more power with less weight and space With the highest power density in ABB’s motor portfolio, the AMXE Marine Motor delivers more power with less weight and space, providing an important advantage for vessels where every kilogram and cubic metre matter.  Built for demanding marine applications, it’s envisioned to resist the tough sea environment, withstand corrosion, shock and vibration, as well as to have high reliability due to its insulation design. ABB’s highest standards for performance and reliability The AMXE Marine Motor is compact, and its water-cooled design eliminates the need for ventilation systems, reducing noise and vibration for quieter, more comfortable operation. Customisable to meet the needs of a wide range of small vessels, the AMXE Marine Motor ensures seamless integration while upholding ABB’s highest standards for performance and reliability. Its compact design and smart terminal box simplify installation across a wide range of marine environments, whether in engine rooms or on open decks. ABB’s worldwide network and local experts The motor can be supported throughout its entire lifecycle, for a fast and responsive service Backed by ABB’s worldwide network and local experts, the motor can be supported throughout its entire lifecycle, for a fast and responsive service at every stage. This launch comes at a pivotal time for the maritime industry. With global marine trade estimated to triple by 2050, the sector faces mounting pressure to decarbonise. Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 The International Maritime Organisation has set a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and solutions like the AMXE Marine Motor will contribute to achieving that.  By offering a high-performance, low-emission alternative to traditional propulsion systems, ABB is helping shipbuilders and operators become more productive and efficient. Real-world demands of the marine industry "With the AXME Marine Motor, we’re delivering a powerful, compact solution that meets the real-world demands of today’s marine industry. It’s built to perform in tough conditions, and help operators make the shift to more sustainable, future-ready fleets," said David Segbers, Global Product Manager Lead at ABB, Mobile e-Power Products. Reducing emissions in the maritime industry Global Product Group Manager Traction & Mobile e-Power Motors at ABB, Roger Affolter, said: "Electrifying vessels is a key part of enhancing efficiency and performance, lowering operating costs and reducing emissions in the maritime industry." Roger Affolter adds, "We’re thrilled to provide future-proof solutions that help customers meet their decarbonisation objectives." Future of marine electrification The motor will be showcased at this year's Nor-Shipping trade event, alongside ABB’s HES880 Mobile Inverter, which is already available for marine applications. These technologies, together with the wide marine portfolio, represent ABB’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future of marine electrification.