ABB to deliver automation systems for Van Oord’s LNG-powered dredgers

Zurich-based automation specialist ABB has won a deal to deliver integrated vessel systems to two new LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) built by Keppel Offshore & Marine for Van Oord.

ABB said on Tuesday that the order, the company’s largest dredging vessel project for a European end customer, covers integrated electrical power, automation, control and navigation packages for a pair of 10,500 cbm capacity TSHDs built for Van Oord.

The vessels, which will feature dual-fuel engines, are being built by the Singaporean yard Keppel Offshore & Marine and are due for delivery in 2021.

The scope of the deal includes generators, main switchboards, distribution switchboards, propulsion drives with associated control systems and transformers.

ABB will also supply a power management system, an alarm management system, and a vessel management system, as well as a highly customized dredging control system. The company will also deliver a complete bridge solution.

According to information from Van Oord, both TSHD’s qualify as Tier 3 vessels (IMO emission standards) and will be fitted with dual fuel engines. The design includes several features that will reduce fuel consumption, and consequently carbon emissions, by a considerable margin.

To remind, Royal IHC was awarded a contract in March for the design and delivery of the complete dredge installations for the two TSHDs.

The order includes two suction pipe installations with an integrated submerged dredge pump unit, four additional shore discharge dredge pumps, and six jet pumps in total.