ABB has secured a contract to supply an integrated electrical power, propulsion and automation system for two new cable repair vessels being built for Orange Marine.
The order was placed by Sri Lankan shipbuilder Colombo Dockyard, which is constructing the hybrid-electric vessels for Orange Marine, a subsidiary of the Orange Group specializing in submarine cable operations. The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
The vessels will be used to maintain subsea cables in the Atlantic and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Black and Red seas.
ABB’s scope of supply includes its Azipod DO propulsion units with a compact remote control system (RCS), generators, low-voltage switchboards, propulsion and thruster drives, thruster motors and transformers.
The propulsion system is designed to improve maneuverability and thrust performance, enabling the vessels to conduct precise cable repair operations. The gearless design of the Azipod units also reduces the need for lubrication oil, lowering maintenance requirements and operating costs.
The vessels will also feature ABB Ability 800xA Integrated Automation System, enabling crews to control onboard systems and equipment from a single interface. An integrated energy storage system will also be installed to help reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
ABB will also provide its PEMS power and energy management system to optimize onboard power use, as well as the ABB Ability Remote Diagnostic System for remote monitoring and technical support.
Demand for cable repair vessels is expected to grow as global subsea cable networks expand. According to a report by TeleGeography and Infra-Analytics, the total length of subsea cables deployed worldwide could increase by 48% by 2040, driven by growing bandwidth demand and the need for network redundancy. However, by that time approximately two-thirds of cable maintenance vessels are expected to reach the end of their service life.
“Cable repair operations demand exceptional maneuverability, reliability and energy efficiency,” said Didier Dillard, chief executive officer of Orange Marine. “The integration of ABB’s Azipod propulsion, energy management and automation solutions will enhance our vessels’ ability to perform complex subsea interventions safely and efficiently, while supporting our objectives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across our fleet.”
Thimira S Godakumbura, managing director and chief executive officer of Colombo Dockyard, said, “ABB’s proven expertise in marine electrical and propulsion systems made them a natural choice as partner for this project.”
Saara Kuusisto, global business line manager for marine systems at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said the project reflects growing demand for resilient subsea infrastructure. “Subsea cable systems are the backbone of the global digital economy, and ABB’s selection to provide the integrated power, propulsion and automation systems for these new ships underscores our commitment to supporting resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure worldwide.”
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