The contract, with Guangzhou Shipyard International Ltd, will see the ABB supply a full scope of integrated solutions for P&O Ferries’ two new vessels.
“We are proud to have ABB technology at the heart of P&O Ferries’ sustainability program, as it transitions to the zero-emission future envisaged for shipping,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports.
Reduced emissions
In all, ABB’s hybrid propulsion solution, using electric power from 8.8MWh batteries and diesel generators, will cut fuel consumption on P&O Ferries’ Dover-Calais route by 40%.
The batteries will provide full power for harbour manoeuvring and stay in port and will prepare the vessels for a zero-emission future once more electric shore charging stations are available.
Built to the double-ended design where the vessels will feature a pair of Azipod units and a bridge at each end, there will be no need to turn ships in port. This will save seven minutes on each outbound and return journey and one tonne of fuel – a sixth of what is used on the 21-mile crossing.
The vessels’ engines will be equipped with ABB’s Power2 two-stage turbocharging system that will further improve power efficiency and help achieve up to 5% in fuel savings and up to 60% of nitrogen oxide emissions.
The 230-metre-long vessels will be the largest passenger and freight ferries ever to sail the route when they enter service in 2023.