ABB to Upgrade Eneti’s Offshore Wind Installation Vessels

South Korea-based Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Ltd. (DSME) will deliver two wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV) to Monaco-based offshore wind construction giant Eneti Inc. The deal is worth $330 million and the delivery is expected between the third quarter of 2024 and second quarter of 2025.

ABB – the global leader in automation, digitization and electrification of hybrid industries – will create advanced power, automation and control systems, real-time performance analytics and electric propulsion in the two vessels for Eneti. The order given to ABB is worth $27 million.

It is said that for the enhanced sustainability of operations, the two vessels will feature a battery installation from ABB. The vessels will be capable of installing the next generation of offshore wind turbines at depths of up to 65 meters. They can also be upgraded for operation with zero carbon fuels.

Wind turbine installation vessels are the need of many countries owing to the abrupt rise in the demand for wind power. These special vessels can serve the offshore segment efficiently and sustainably. The offshore wind generation expanded by about 30% in 2020 and the year saw a net capacity addition of 6 GW.

According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 Roadmap, about 80 GW offshore wind energy is necessary to be added to the global energy mix every year. This is unalienable if the world wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Speaking about the latest deal with DSME, Francesco Bellusci, Managing Director, Eneti, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with ABB on our new flagship WTIVs. ABB’s proven track record and experience in providing technology solutions for the marine industry and, in particular, the sustainable offshore wind vessel segment was the decisive factor in this project.”

Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager, ABB Marine & Ports, added, “This contract further confirms that our solutions meet the needs of a very demanding market and are recognized for their operational and environmental performance.”

Braastad also stated that the Eneti ‘seal of approval’ acknowledges their preference for the sustainable hybrid propulsion technology and extensive experience with dynamically positioned (DP) vessels, and these special vehicles in particular. “We look forward to supporting Eneti through the project phase of these state-of-the-art vessels and in the next phase of its offshore wind market journey,” he said.

ABB’s integrated automation, power and electric propulsion systems are expected to spiral up the capabilities of the two vehicles. This also includes closed-ring and closed-bus solutions. Technically speaking, the closed bus-tie DP2 system’s enhanced fault resistance ensures precise positioning as well as safe and predictable performance during operations.

On the other hand, the closed-bus solutions stay at distance from network disturbances and lower the risks of power and propulsion loss.

ABB is a global player that offers electric, digital and connected solutions for the offshore wind segment to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability of operations.

In the two vessels that will be delivered to Eneti Inc., ABB will also integrate an energy storage system, which is meant to reduce fuel consumption, wear and tear, and engine running hours. Battery power enhances vessels’ operational flexibility by providing ‘spinning reserve’ backup power, ‘peak shaving’ for short-term load variation, recovery of regenerative energy, and enhanced dynamic performance supporting instant power demands.