ABB is helping P&O Superferry move into a new era of sustainable transport

ABB has won a contract with Guangzhou Shipyard World Co., Ltd. to supply a full range of integrated solutions for two new vessels of P&O Ferries. The hybrid propulsion solution, which uses electricity from 8.8MWh batteries and diesel generators, will cut fuel consumption by 40% on P&O Ferries' Dover-Calais route. The batteries will fully power port operations and stays, and will prepare vessels for a zero-emission future once more shore power charging stations become available.

Equipped with four Azipod® propulsion units per vessel and rated at 7.5 megawatts each, the 230-metre-long vessel will be the largest passenger and cargo ferry ever built when it enters service in 2023. According to P&O Ferries, propeller integration was decisive in selecting a hybrid solution for the new ferry.

In addition to Azipod® propulsion and energy storage, the new vessel will also use ABB's comprehensive solutions, including power and propulsion, automation and electric power management. ABB's Power and Power Management System (PEMS™) is tightly integrated with the power system to ensure optimal use of the vessel's total power resources by improving the flow of information from the ship's systems.

"The P&O Ferries under construction at Canton Shipyard World are truly iconic. Considering ABB's proven position as a supplier to the global ferry market, we are pleased to strengthen our strategic partnership with ABB, a technology leader, and work together on this cutting-edge project," said Mr. Chen Zhongqian, Chairman of Guangzhou Shipyard World.

Juha Koskela, President of ABB's Maritime & Ports Division, said: "We are proud to put ABB skills at the heart of P&O Ferries' sustainability approach as it transitions to a zero-emission future imagined for shipping.

The vessel is designed with a pair of Azipod® equipment and bridges at each end, eliminating the need to rotate the vessel in port. Captains and high-ranking officers only need to walk to the bridge opposite, saving seven minutes per departure and return trip and saving 1 ton of fuel – one-sixth of the fuel used for a 21-mile crossing.

The vessels will also be equipped with ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control, an intelligent operation and handling system that automates some navigation tasks for safer and more efficient operations, allowing bridge officers to focus on optimizing the overall handling and positioning of the vessel.

The vessels' engines will be equipped with ABB's Power2 two-stage turbocharging system, which will further increase power and assist in fuel savings of up to 5%. In addition, the Power2 system will help cut NOx emissions by up to 60%.

With more than 20 vessels and 27,000 flights on eight routes each year between the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and northern mainland ports, P&O Ferries is one of Europe's leading ferry and logistics companies, carrying 8.4 million passengers, 1.6 million cars and 2.2 million freight units per year. 1

Guangzhou Shipyard World, which will make ships, is widely regarded as one of the most modern and planned shipbuilding companies in China, and is increasingly focused on making sustainable ships.

The demand for Azipod® propulsion is increasing strongly in the global ferry industry, transporting around 2.1 billion passengers, 250 million sedans and 32 million trailers annually. With the thrusters located on the outside of the hull, shipowners are increasingly opting for the Azipod® system, which provides the pod thrusters with 360-degree rotation, higher reliability, lower vibration and more onboard lane instrumentation.

ABB is helping P&O Superferry move into a new era of sustainable transport

ABB is helping P&O Superferry move into a new era of sustainable transport

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