ABB inks deal with Fincantieri to provide electricity to vessels

Saturday, 07 Nov 2009

ABB and Fincantieri have signed an agreement to collaborate on the construction, marketing and supply of high voltage shore connection systems to provide electricity to vessels in port.

Harbor facilities around the world are taking a close look at shore to ship connections as a way of reducing emissions from ships in port and improve air quality for surrounding communities.

HVSC systems enable ships to draw electricity from onshore power grids while in port to operate onboard equipment as refrigeration units, lighting, cooling and heating systems, instead of burning fuel oil to run electrical generators.

Mr Veli Matti Reinikkala head of ABB's Process Automation division said that "ABB successfully delivered the world’s first shore connection to the port of Gothenburg in January 2000. By combining our know how and innovative capabilities with the leading shipbuilder, Fincantieri, we can develop reliable solutions that will lower the environmental impact of shipping."

Mr Giorgio Rizzo head of Fincantieri's ship repairs and conversions business unit said that "We are pleased to have contributed, together with ABB, to this initiative, setting out to protect the environment, which is also a priority objective for Shipowners, our customers. We are confident that the agreement signed today will mark an important advance in the pursuit of improved technical and economic solutions for our customers and the market as a whole."

The new shore connection systems to be developed by ABB and Fincantieri will meet all current international standards, and can be installed on ships while under construction, docked for maintenance or even out at sea.

Fincantieri and ABB are already collaborating through Seastema SpA, a joint venture company tasked with designing and developing integrated automation systems for the marine sector.