ABB paving the way towards autonomous shipping
(Posted on 11/09/18)
The ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control dynamic positioning (DP) system, unveiled at the maritime trade fair SMM, simplifies ship maneuvering with an intuitive touchscreen-based user interface and enables safer, more efficient ship operations.
With its user-centric design, ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control reduces the workload on automating navigational tasks and allows bridge officers to focus holistically on the overall control and positioning of the ship. The system integrates seamlessly with existing onboard equipment and ensures ease of installation and maintenance, adding significant “bridge-to-propeller” value for the shipowners.
One of the key benefits of the new system is that it allows the operator to switch to joystick control for maneuvering the vessel at any speed and all the way to docking. ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control employs algorithms that calculate the optimal way of executing a command for controlling the vessel in any operational situation. The overall safety of the operation is increased as the crew is able to maintain full situational awareness, rather than having to focus on changing control modes.
The system has obtained Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate, announced at SMM. LR is a leading international provider of classification, compliance and consultancy services to the marine industry.
“Lloyd’s Register is focused on supporting the introduction of new solutions to the shipping industry that enhance safer, more efficient and sustainable ship operations,” says David Barrow, Commercial Director, Marine & Offshore, Lloyd’s Register. “As digital technologies progress, increased collaboration between original equipment manufacturers, classification societies and ship owners will become key. This project highlights the collaborative work ethic between LR and ABB to achieve this milestone.”
“ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control is an example of pioneering technology that is already available today and will act as a stepping stone into the future of autonomous shipping,” says Mikko Lepistö, Senior Vice President Digital Solutions at ABB Marine & Ports. “To enable autonomous shipping, we need a DP system that replaces traditional solutions designed for disconnected operations. Embracing new technologies for the human-machine interface and offering tangible safety and efficiency benefits, ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control does exactly that.”
Together with the ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Vision, launched in 2017 to offer multiple real-time visualizations of a vessel’s surroundings, the new DP system will create a full 3D situational awareness and an intuitive operating environment with the dedicated purpose of operating the ship in a safe and efficient manner.
“Our ‘Electric. Digital. Connected.’ vision is based on the principles of simplicity, efficiency and safety. ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control works to leverage our experience with all aspects of the ship from bridge to propeller and enables operators to navigate the vessels of the future regardless of propulsion system or power generation,” says Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB Marine & Ports. “By designing solutions from the ground up to meet today’s requirements, we position our technology in a way that is able to incorporate future technologies in a secure, yet easy way.”
The new DP system can be connected to the ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations Center infrastructure, which monitors the performance of ABB technology on board and remotely connects operators with ABB experts.
Latest News
Rollout of CMT test kits increase as bulk shipmanagers look to reduce costs
(Posted on 16/07/26)CM Technologies (CMT) has supplied its integrated onboard fuel/oil testing and analysis kits to a fleet... Read more
Superior’s TeleStacker conveyor evolution continues to improve plant and port performance
(Posted on 07/07/26)Superior Industries, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing... Read more
Repositioned for the Future: NDE Readymix’s E-Crane Transformation
(Posted on 03/07/26)NDE Readymix Concrete Ltd., established in 2009, is the largest non-cement ready-mix concrete producer... Read more
Hazira Port crane success for Steelpaint’s new Stelcatec-L repair coat solution
(Posted on 30/06/26)German corrosion protection specialist Steelpaint has successfully completed a technical field trial... Read more
Veson Platform a new foundation for maritime trade
(Posted on 30/06/26)Veson Nautical has announced the Veson Platform, a unified, AI-powered experience that brings together... Read more
ABB to acquire Høglund to expand marine automation offering
(Posted on 29/06/26)ABB has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire marine automation specialist Hø... Read more
NAVTOR sets new standards with Digital Logbook ‘industry firsts’
(Posted on 29/06/26)NAVTOR has unveiled the latest iteration of its Digital Logbooks offering, featuring the industry&rsquo... Read more
Industry warned battery fire awareness must catch up with changing onboard risks
(Posted on 25/06/26)The maritime industry is facing a rapidly changing fire risk on board vessels as electric vehicles and... Read more
Smart Ship Hub launches one of industry's lowest-cost vessel data loggers
(Posted on 24/06/26)Smart Ship Hub (SSH), the maritime intelligence and data collection platform, has launched one of the... Read more
75 Years young: Verstegen celebrates three quarters of a century of excellence
(Posted on 18/06/26)World leading manufacturer of rope operated mechanical grabs for the dry bulk industry, Verstegen Grijpers... Read more
