ABB hails automation breakthrough in China

The Viking Line vessel uses the ABB Ability System 800xA which integrates power, propulsion and management systems into a single platform, enabling a comprehensive overview of all information needed to operate in the most efficient manner.

Jans Hanses, Viking Line’s president and chief executive, said: “On her delivery, this vessel will be the most efficient cruise ferry operating in the Baltic, if not the world.”

The 63,000 GT LNG-fuelled ferry, which is being built at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co. will carry up to 2,800 passengers when she begins operation in 2020.

In addition to the ABB electrical power generation, distribution systems and bow thruster motors, the vessel will be the first cruise ferry in the world to feature twin XO 2100-type Azipod units.

Managing director of ABB Marine & Ports, Juha Koskela, said: “As ABB’s first marine automation contract for a cruise ferry in China, this is a breakthrough in a crucial territory where our marine business continues to increase, but it also confirms that our ‘Electric. Digital. Connected’ strategy is gaining traction.”

ABB Ability, which also uses Microsoft cloud technology, is the company’s cross-industry product bringing together data, systems, solutions and services.