ABB to Power Up Deepwater Pipe Laying Vessel

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, recently won a $12 million order to supply electrical power and propulsion systems for a deepwater pipe laying vessel.

The vessel, tentatively named Derrick Lay Vessel 2000 (“DLV2000”), will be constructed at Keppel Singmarine in Singapore and delivered in 2015 to Hydro Marine Services, Inc., a subsidiary of McDermott International, Inc.

Developed by Keppel’s ship design arm, Marine Technology Development (MTD), DLV2000 is equipped to support advanced deepwater pipe laying operations that will allow pipelines to be installed at depths of up to 10,000 feet. It is also capable of achieving efficient pipe lay rates for long trunk lines, operating in severe weather conditions, and providing significant thrust output and power distribution. An economical vessel transit speed is expected to be 12 knots with a top speed of 14 knots. On completion, the vessel will be able to accommodate up to 400 personnel.

“Being selected as the main supplier of power and diesel electric systems for this unique vessel, shows the customer’s faith in our ability to execute complex projects and deliver reliable solutions, that contribute to increased energy efficiency and optimized performance,” said Heikki Soljama, head of Marine and Cranes business at ABB. “ABB has a successful history of helping to efficiently power such highly specialized ships to keep them at the cutting edge of the marine industry.”

ABB will supply an advanced complete power and diesel electric system package, consisting of medium voltage switchboards, generators, diesel generator monitoring systems, transformers, frequency converters, motors and remote diagnostic system. The systems will provide reliable and fuel efficient propulsion for the ships.