New ABB R&D lab

The laboratory, which will be situated next to the Azipod factory, will bring together all of ABB’s offerings for the shipping industry under one roof.

“We are constantly testing and developing new technologies. This laboratory is a wonderful step forward an enables a full range of innovation activities,” said Mikko Lepistö, vice president of software and automation operations at ABB.

It is designed to meet the needs of the customer and will support ABB’s marine technology such as remote control systems, propulsion, integrated operations and waste heat recovery systems. In the future the lab will also function as a simulator.

Heikki Soljama, managing director of ABB’s marine and ports business unit, said: “R&D is as important as ever for the shipping industry. The challenges facing the whole sector are well documented and now is the time for innovation and new solutions.

“This lab will help us achieve that goal. Ultimately, though, we will be responding to the needs of the industry and the desire for cost efficiency, reliability and safety will always be key,” he added.

ABB’s new laboratory will help the company work on its concept (Internet of Things, Services and People) of utilising the internet to join up shore operations to what happens onboard.

Mr Lepistö said: “Digitalisation allows owners to monitor remotely entire fleets using cloud services. When data collected by automation systems is utilised in the most optimal way, we can save both costs and environment.

“The Internet of Things, Services and People opens new possibilities for the marine industry and especially for the development of the service business,” Mr Lepistö concluded.

By Alice Mason