Saft batteries for ABB cable layer

The Super Phosphate (SLFP) battery system will aim to deliver effective energy storage for backup in cable loading and propulsion assistance.

Jayesh Vir, Saft’s key account manager for the maritime segment, said: “This contract for ABB’s new cable-laying vessel strengthens further Saft’s relationship with ABB. It is our first order for such kind of ship with ABB Marine that will involve the installation of our new generation liquid cooled high power Li-ion batteries.”

He continued: “It is further confirmation that Saft’s fully commercialized marine battery technology is proven to meet the exacting energy storage demands of even the largest sea going vessels.”

The batteries will intend to help cut the vessel’s fuel consumption by 27% and reduce maintenance compared with traditional AC systems.

Saft’s battery system will be used mainly to assist the outloading of cable from the dock onto the vessel’s turntables.

When at sea, the battery system can also be used for peak shaving, when there is a temporary surge in demand for propulsion power and enhanced dynamic response, and the propulsion power needs to be increased rapidly.

ABB has ordered the cable-laying vessel to boost the capacity of its submarine cable operations to perform AC, DC and fibre optic cable-laying and repair anywhere in the world.

The SALT 306 CLV-design vessel will measure approximately 140 by 30m. It is being custom-built to ABB specifications at Kleven shipyard in Norway.

SLFP cells and battery system will be developed and manufactured at Saft’s factories in France, they are scheduled for delivery in the last quarter of 2016 with the vessel is expected to be ready in 2017.