ABB has successfully validated a significant advancement in vessel Dynamic Positioning (DP) technology, following a series of rigorous proving trials and sea trials on the wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) Norse Wind.
This development integrates ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control — an innovative ship control system — with Azipod® propulsion units, demonstrating the advantages of a cohesive system-level synergy.
Integration of advanced systems
The vessel employs ABB's cutting-edge DP2 control system, which meets all expected performance criteria. The system is informed by input from DP operators, accident log studies, and model-based control algorithms, ensuring comprehensive vessel safety and operational efficiency at every stage.
The effectiveness of the DP solution was confirmed during sea trials on the Norse Wind
The effectiveness of the DP solution was confirmed during sea trials on the Norse Wind, showcasing its continuous control capabilities in conjunction with ABB’s PEMS™ power and energy management system.
This allows for closed bus-tie operations, aided by ABB’s intuitive AX Bridge levers and user interface, which offers operators a clear situational overview.
Commitment to innovation
Jeroen Vanden Branden, Head of Fleet at DEME, emphasised, "As an industry pioneer in innovation and advanced technologies, we sought a dynamic positioning solution that would raise the benchmark beyond the long-standing standard. ABB’s new DP2 control system delivers an advanced, intuitive, and user-friendly experience, providing operators with all essential information in a clean, modern interface."
Jeroen adds, "This system empowers our crews with precision, reliability, and real-time insights — delivering the performance and safety standards that modern DP operations demand."
Expansion of new technologies
The sister ship, Norse Energi, is set to feature the same ABB DP2 solution upon its service launch in early 2026.
Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, noted the successful development process: "In developing the DP2 functionality for ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control, combining it with Azipod® propulsion, and subsequently verifying its performance at sea, our team has shown great vision, craft and dedication."
Rune adds, "DEME has been an excellent pioneering partner, fully buying into our vision for a safer and more user-friendly DP control solution. I am proud of the collaboration and excited to see a safer operating environment for crews and vessels alike."
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 distinctive advantages of system-level synergy.
ABB’s PEMS™ power and energy management system
Meeting all performance expectations, ABB’s new Dynamic Positioning Class 2 (DP2) control system draws on input from DP operators, studies of accident logs and model-based control algorithms. Offering full control at all operational stages, the DP solution enhances vessel safety and operational decision-making.
Sea trials onboard the DEME vessel Norse Wind verified the solution’s continuous control capability, integrated with ABB’s PEMS™ power and energy management system allowing for closed bus-tie operations. In addition, ABB’s tactile AX Bridge levers and user interface enable a clear situational overview of both the vessel and DP.
The solution’s functionality leverages dynamic vessel and thruster models that update in real time to account for speed-induced changes in hydrodynamics.
Innovation and advanced technologies
"As an industry pioneer in innovation and advanced technologies, we sought a dynamic positioning solution that would raise the benchmark beyond the long-standing standard,” said Jeroen Vanden Branden, Head of Fleet at DEME.
“ABB’s new DP2 control system delivers an advanced, intuitive, and user-friendly experience, providing operators with all essential information in a clean, modern interface. This system empowers our crews with precision, reliability, and real-time insights – delivering the performance and safety standards that modern DP operations demand."
ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control
The DEME sister ship Norse Energi will also feature the new ABB DP2 solution on its entry into service in early 2026.
“In developing the DP2 functionality for ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control, combining it with Azipod® propulsion, and subsequently verifying its performance at sea, our team has shown great vision, craft and dedication,” said Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB’s Marine & Ports division.
“DEME has been an excellent pioneering partner, fully buying into our vision for a safer and more user-friendly DP control solution. I am proud of the collaboration and excited to see a safer operating environment for crews and vessels alike.”
