ABB’s integrated system package for dredgers

The landmark order, which is ABB’s largest dredging vessel project for a European end customer, covers integrated electrical power, automation, control and navigation packages for the two 10,500m3 capacity trailing suction hopper dredgers being built at Keppel’s Singapore yard and due for delivery in 2021.

The scope of supply includes generators, main switchboards, distribution switchboards, and propulsion drives with associated control systems and transformers. ABB will also provide a power management system, an alarm management system and a vessel management system based on the ABB Ability System 800xA as well as a highly customised dredging control system which will help increase the efficiency of dredging operations.

ABB will also deliver a complete bridge solution which will include custom designed ergonomic consoles, a remote control system, pilot chairs and a navigation system. As part of the navigation package, ABB will integrate the Synpasis NX INS bridge and navigation technology from Raytheon Anschutz which includes multifunctional workstations, autopilot and track control system, radars, and navigation sensors that fully integrate with ABB’s propulsion, automation and control.

The custom designed bridge solution and the integration, propulsion, automation and control systems reduces the amount of hardware required on board and increases the overall level of safety and efficiency of operations.

By Larz Bourne