ABB News

ABB has collected its ‘Generations’ articles for 2025 into a single publication to offer an overview of insights and perspectives on energy efficiency and digitalisation in a pivotal year for maritime decarbonisation.  Generations 2025 explores how market imperatives, research, technology developments, and regulatory decisions have shaped both opportunities and challenges for maritime stakeholders, as the global industry strives toward a green transition. Latest developments i...

ABB and HDF Energy have signed a joint-development agreement (JDA) to develop a high-power fuel cell unit for marine applications. Enabling megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cells, the project anticipates installations on board several vessel types, even large seagoing vessels such as container feeder ships and liquefied hydrogen carriers. The agreement builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ABB and HDF Energy in 2020, envisaging the collaboration.  ABB’s s...

Demonstrating a significant advance in South Korea’s strategy for maritime decarbonisation, Busan Port Authority (BPA) has officially launched the first state-owned all-electric ferry, with the end-to-end electric power and propulsion system supplied by ABB.Built by Busan’s Kangnam Corporation, the new passenger ferry is the first realisation by South Korean authorities of their plan to replace 140 state-owned assets with ships running on cleaner energy sources by 20301, in line with...

ABB has verified a major advancement in vessel Dynamic Positioning (DP) technology, following successful Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) proving trials and sea trials on board the new wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) Norse Wind. By integrating ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control – a ship control system that unifies dynamic positioning, manoeuvering, and transit functionalities into one intuitive interface – with Azipod® propulsion units, the vessel showcases...

ABB has secured an order with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the United States’ largest ferry operator, to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries that initiate the owner’s ambitious System Electrification Program. With the first two ships scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, one apiece in 2030 and 2031, the contract also includes an option for a third ferry. WSF has previously announced plans to build up t...

ABB has secured a contract with Helsinki Shipyard to supply a complete electric power and propulsion solution for the Polar Max icebreaker, which is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard by 2030. Uniquely, Polar Max will be constructed through an innovative industrial collaboration between Canadian-controlled facilities in Helsinki, Finland and Lévis, Canada. The 22,800-tonne, 138.5-metre vessel is the first shipbuilding project at Helsinki Shipyard under the ownership of...

Electrical propulsion supports maritime decarbonisation by using batteries, shore power, and hybrid systems. Vessels can operate emission-free in port, cut fuel consumption, and lower costs at sea to better align with regulations. These systems also reduce vibrations onboard and lower underwater-radiated noise. Efficient, adaptable solutions are available to enhance manoeuverability and prepare vessels for new regulations and fuels. The solutions are wholly compatible with zero-emissions opera...

ABB has signed a term sheet agreement with SwitcH2 to engineer and supply automation and electrification solutions for SwitcH2’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit dedicated to producing green ammonia from green hydrogen, to support future demand for low-carbon marine fuels. The FPSO facility will be stationed off the coast of Portugal and powered by certified renewable electricity from the national grid under a Power Purchase Agreements. It will feature a 300 MW elec...

ABB has been recognised as a pioneer in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Industrial IoT Platforms. ABB views the recognition as a reflection of the company’s continued commitment to delivering innovative industrial AI and IoT solutions that empower industries to operate leaner and cleaner.  Data-driven business outcomes “Being recognised by Gartner® four consecutive times and now positioned as a Leader is a proud moment for ABB and we see it is a tes...

Hanwha Ocean, one of the major shipbuilders in South Korea, has awarded ABB the contract to supply a complete electric power and propulsion system for Singapore’s first floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The contract is the latest milestone in the long-standing collaboration between ABB and Hanwha Ocean. ABB’s remote control ABB’s integrated electrical system on board the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) will comprise a medium voltage generator, 6....

ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swedish nuclear energy company - Blykalla to support and accelerate the deployment of small modular lead-cooled reactors to the maritime industry. Building on the terms of an existing MoU between Blykalla and ABB signed in October 2024, which targets developing lead-cooled SMR technology to support Sweden’s clean energy requirements, this agreement expands the partnership and aligns with growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marin...

ABB will deliver 1,500 NINVA non-invasive temperature sensors approved for marine use to eMarine, a Swedish company dedicated to enabling efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry. This marks the introduction of ABB’s NINVA technology to the global marine sector. NINVA will complement eMarine’s advanced energy management solutions already deployed on major cruise and cargo vessels worldwide. NINVA temperature sensors The insights will enable lower fuel consumption,...

ABB and shipping company - Wallenius Marine have formally established a new joint venture based in Stockholm, Sweden, to expand their OVERSEA™ collaboration and ensure customers will fully benefit from future-proof vessel performance management capabilities.  Launched in September 2022 as a collaboration between ABB and Wallenius Marine, OVERSEA™ is a combined digital solution and ‘fleet-support-center-as-a-service’ offering designed to help ship owners, operators,...

ABB has integrated a comprehensive scope of technologies onboard Feadship Breakthrough. The vessel was constructed by Dutch high-end yacht builder Feadship. Launched in May 2025, the privately-owned 118.8-metre yacht will be among the first vessels in the world to feature multi-megawatt fuel cell technology.  Azipod® electric propulsion units ABB has also provided shipside shore connection technology and Remote Diagnostic Services ABB’s scope of supply comprises the Onboard DC...

Electrification plays an important role in addressing the environmental challenges facing the maritime sector, and electric propulsion is the key component in this transition. Energy-efficient propulsion, which encompasses both efficient drivetrain and less weight, will contribute to meeting environmental challenges, while providing unwavering reliability for the operators. Cleaner propulsion solutions Ease of integration and maintenance helps streamline system design and installation, cruci...

ABB has signed a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, a vacation industry pioneer with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands travelling to all seven continents, deepening the long-standing partnership to support the company’s ship performance goals. Covering 33 existing ships, the comprehensive agreement includes preventive maintenance and digital solutions to support and optimise propulsion operations, improve vessel safety, maximise fleet availability, and e...

In a major step towards more efficient offshore operations, Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) and ABB have signed an agreement to equip a fleet of shuttle tankers with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform. Engineered to optimise fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and enable a flexible integration of energy sources, the technology will be the heart of the integrated power system specified for nine newbuild vessels. Fleet of new vessels The fleet of new vessels will be...

ABB and StarDream Cruises strengthen their longstanding collaboration with a new service agreement covering two of the cruise line’s luxury ships – reinforcing a partnership that has helped the evolution of cruise travel in Asia. The five-year agreement covers maintenance and lifecycle support for the cruise ships - Star Navigator and Genting Dream, measuring 269 and 335 metres, respectively. During this period, Star Navigator will undergo two, and Genting Dream one, drydocking proj...

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 wil...

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 ve...

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 perform...

Technology pioneer ABB, and the CMA CGM Group, a player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, are collaborating on a new parametric roll algorithm to improve ship safety. The solution integrates a theoretical framework developed by CMA CGM into the ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS Marine Advisory system. Challenge to ship safety New algorithm will help enhance operational safety by reducing the risk of accidents Parametric rolling has been a challenge to ship safety for decades. Particularly...

Fuels of the future and shipping charge points in harbours are at the centre of a major new strategy to make Britain’s shipping fleet net zero by 2050 and drive growth in coastal communities. The Maritime Minister has revealed the Government’s new goals for all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon-free and help vessel owners, operators and scientists make emission-free voyages a reality. Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy Maritime Decarbonisation Stra...

ABB has secured orders from shipbuilders in China and South Korea to equip 18 and 12 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers, respectively, with permanent magnet shaft generator technology. The ships are due for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Enhancing operational efficiency by utilising the power from the main engine, ABB’s permanent magnet shaft generator system improves fuel economy compared to solutions where power is provided by auxiliary engines. Magnet shaft generator solution The...

AAL Shipping, a multiple award-winning project heavy lift cargo operator headquartered in Singapore, has chosen ABB Ability™ OCTOPUS – Marine Advisory System to optimise operations of their advanced fleet of Super B-Class heavy lift vessels. ABB’s technology will help enhance the safety and efficiency of its cargo-carrying operations. Super B-Class vessels AAL has currently four 32,000 deadweight tonnage ships in operation and four due for delivery by 2026. The third-generat...

ABB has secured an order with the shipbuilding company - All American Marine to supply a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the new ocean sampling catamaran for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) in California. In addition to the comprehensive scope of technologies, All American Marine will draw on ABB’s extensive expertise in the supply, engineering, and systems integration of hybrid-electric vessels. The vessel is expected to be delivered to OC San in 2027. 19.2–me...

The contract for civil works and electrification for the expansion of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (MVII) container terminal in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, has been awarded to CareGo, a consortium comprising ABB, Dura Vermeer, and GMB. 51-hectare container yard The expansion will cover a 51-hectare container yard. This will double the capacity of the terminal, making it one of the most advanced fully automated terminals in the world. The 51 hectares will consist of 31 additional yard blocks, q...

The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated a new flagship project, Decarbonisation through the Digitalisation in Shipping (DECARDIS), together with optimisation platform company Awake.AI, technology pioneer ABB and shipping company Wallenius Marine. The consortium, funded by ESA and led by Awake.AI, will collaborate on a port call optimisation solution, which focuses on helping ships cut greenhouse gas emissions by overcoming inefficiencies in the ship-port interaction.  Smart ship te...

SOCSEA24, the 4th Society and the Sea Conference is taking a significant step forward in championing gender equality within the maritime industry. Female representation The conference organisers – National Maritime and the University of Greenwich – have announced that women in maritime leadership roles will make up 41.2% of the speakers and 50% of the moderators at 2024's SOCSEA event. This marks a significant 9% increase in female representation compared to the conference’s...

ABB has been awarded a contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to serve as the propulsion single source vendor (PSSV) for its groundbreaking new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries. This project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable maritime transportation in the US and beyond, with ABB playing a pivotal role in developing and delivering the five newly built vessels. Hybrid electric propulsion systems As PSSV, ABB will supply comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion sy...