ABB powers two Spanish hydrographic vessels

ABB said on May 18 that it had secured a contract with Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia to supply power distribution and propulsion systems for two new Spanish Navy coastal hydrographic vessels. The company said the package centers on a DC-based architecture designed to improve energy efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility. Navantia is building the vessels for delivery by 2028, according to ABB. The order adds to a recent run of ABB work with Navantia and the Spanish Navy. ABB said the award marks its third collaboration with the Spanish shipbuilder in three years. The vessels are intended for mapping and studying Spain’s coastal waters, with roles tied to defense, environmental monitoring and maritime safety, the company said. (new.abb.com) ### What exactly is ABB supplying on these ships? ABB said its scope includes the Onboard DC Grid platform, its PEMS power and energy management system, transformers, thruster motors and batteries. The company said it will also carry out engineering, testing and commissioning for the ABB portion of the project. (new.abb.com) The company said the DC-grid setup is designed to manage the vessels’ total power resources, including variable-speed generators and energy storage systems, while also allowing integration of future energy sources. ABB described the system as compact, modular and suited to specialized vessels operating in complex environments. (new.abb.com) ### Why does a DC grid matter on a hydrographic vessel? ABB said the arrangement is meant to cut fuel consumption and emissions while giving the vessels more flexible power management during demanding operations. Hydrographic ships do not just transit from port to port; they spend long periods conducting slow, precise survey work, which puts a premium on stable onboard power and efficient propulsion. That makes the electrical architecture part of the vessel’s mission capability, not just a machinery choice. (new.abb.com) This last point is an inference based on the stated survey role and ABB’s description of the power system. ABB’s Marine & Ports division said the system’s fault tolerance is intended to support safety and reliability. In the company’s description, pairing the grid with energy management software allows operators to balance generators, batteries and propulsion loads more efficiently than with a more conventional setup. (new.abb.com) ### What did Navantia and ABB say about the deal? Alberto Cervantes, Navantia’s director of corvettes and maritime action ships business, said ABB had been “a dependable and capable technology partner” in two previous collaborations involving the Spanish Navy. Cervantes said the new hydrographic vessels will operate in demanding environments where the efficiency, reliability and flexibility of ABB’s Onboard DC Grid “will prove invaluable.” (new.abb.com) Sindre Satre, business line manager for coast guard and navy at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said ABB was “honored” to be selected again by Navantia and the Spanish Navy for the two vessels. ### What are these vessels for beyond naval operations? ABB said the ships will play a role in mapping and studying Spain’s coastal waters. (new.abb.com) That work supports national defense and maritime safety directly, but hydrographic survey capacity also feeds civilian uses such as environmental monitoring, dredging support and coastal planning by improving seabed and coastal data. The broader civil uses are consistent with how hydrographic data is typically used and with the mission descriptions cited in coverage of the award. By 2028, Navantia is scheduled to deliver the two vessels with ABB’s systems installed, and ABB said its next steps include completing the engineering, testing and commissioning work tied to its package. (new.abb.com)