ABB software boosts ferry efficiency

MyStar, due for delivery from the Finnish Rauma Marine Constructions shipyard in 2022, will benefit from ABB Ability Marine Advisory System – OCTOPUS. MyStar will be deployed on the 80-km trans-Baltic route between Tallinn, Estonia, and Helsinki, Finland.

“We expect to see high energy efficiency gains as the software generates more insights into optimized operations,” said ABB Marine & Ports’ head of digital services, Antto Shemeikka.

Operational advice offered

OCTOPUS optimisation software will collect and transfer operational data from the vessel’s onboard systems to the ABB Ability Marine Fleet Portal – a solution that provides remote monitoring and a detailed performance analysis. Based on these insights, OCTOPUS offers operational advice, empowering the shipboard personnel to make informed decisions about the way the ferry is operated and optimise its performance.

Collecting and analysing data through OCTOPUS has already helped identify fuel savings potential for the two existing Tallink vessels – Megastar and Star. On the Megastar, adjustments to the vessel maneuvering in Tallinn and Helsinki saved 5% of the energy consumed during manoeuvring in one port and up to 13% in the other. Meanwhile, according to OCTOPUS, improved auxiliary engine management on the Star cut annual auxiliary engine fuel consumption by close to 4 percent.

The OCTOPUS setup onboard MyStar will comprise five separate modules – Advanced Performance Monitoring, Dynamic Trim, Clean Hull, Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) Monitoring, and Powerplant Optimiser. In total, the OCTOPUS system offers 13 different monitoring and optimisation modules, enabling vessels of all types to benefit from a flexible setup enabling increased efficiencies, safety and availability.