Electrical systems for Brazil pipelayers

South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) is to build the two sister vessels for a joint venture company, formed by French oil service company Technip and Brazilian company Odebrecht Oil & Gas. They are scheduled for delivery in 2014. The pipelines laid by the ships will connect subsea wells with floating installations in depths of up to 2500m along the coast of Brazil for oil company Petrobras.

Wärtsilä Ship Design developed the VS 4146 PLV design with a solid tension capacity of 550t, and designed for optimal fuel consumption and flexible pipe laying operations. ABB says its delivery will help the vessels use less fuel while operating at the highest levels of efficiency.

ABB will supply drives, motors and generators, medium voltage switchgear, transformers and softstarters. ABB will additionally take project responsibility. The diesel electric propulsion system will provide reduced fuel consumption compared to traditional diesel mechanical systems, through its use of ABB’s propulsion drives, which are designed for optimised control of the propulsion motors, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

“ABB’s oil and gas industry expertise, proven marine solutions and subsea experience address the needs of the growing subsea installation service market,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s process automation division. “Our environmentally friendly, energy efficient solutions and solid power infrastructure systems help both oil companies and their suppliers ensure the reliable and efficient operation of their vessels from their very first day in service.”