Orange Marine selects ABB’s automation, propulsion and electrical power system for hybrid electric cable repair vessels

ABB has secured a contract with Sri Lankan shipbuilder Colombo Dockyard PLC to supply a fully integrated electrical power, propulsion and automation system for two newbuild cable repair vessels for shipowner Orange Marine, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Orange Group specializing in submarine cable work1. Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, the hybrid-electric ships will be responsible for maintaining cables in the Atlantic and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Black and Red seas. This order follows the previous successful collaboration with both Orange Marine and Colombo Dockyard PLC2.

ABB’s integrated propulsion solution features Azipod® DO propulsion unit with Compact RCS (Remote Control System) to optimize maneuverability and thrust performance, enabling the vessels to carry out complex cable repair operations with a high degree of precision. In addition to its proven reliability and propulsive efficiency, the gearless design of the Azipod® units helps to minimize the need for lubrication oil. This reduces the need for maintenance and thereby lowers operating costs. The technology’s compact footprint provides flexibility and facilitates efficient installation.

Orange Marine’s forthcoming ships will also feature the ABB Ability™ 800xA Integrated Automation System, which allows the crew to operate all systems and equipment from a single user environment, as well as a fully integrated energy storage system (ESS) for reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. ABB’s PEMS™ power and energy management system ensures optimal use of total onboard power resources, and ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System provides fast and accurate technical assistance around the clock for increased uptime, cost efficiency and operational safety. ABB’s comprehensive scope of supply covers also generators, low-voltage switchboards, propulsion and thruster drives, thruster motors and transformers.

With increase of subsea cables, there is increased demand for cable repair vessels. A recent report by TeleGeography and Infra-Analytics projects a 48 percent net increase in total cable kilometers to be deployed in the world's oceans by 2040, driven by rising bandwidth demands and the need for network redundancy and resilience. But by the same year, approximately two-thirds of cable maintenance ships will have reached the end of their service life, with about half of the global fleet of cable ships also approaching this milestone.3

“Cable repair operations demand exceptional maneuverability, reliability and energy efficiency,” said Didier Dillard, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Marine. “The integration of ABB’s Azipod® propulsion, energy management and automation solutions will enhance our vessels’ ability to perform complex subsea interventions safely and efficiently, while supporting our objectives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across our fleet.”

“ABB’s proven expertise in marine electrical and propulsion systems made them a natural choice as partner for this project,” commented Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Colombo Dockyard PLC. “Their technology supports our vision of delivering highly efficient, future-ready vessels for critical subsea cable operations.”

“Subsea cable systems are the backbone of the global digital economy, and ABB’s selection to provide the integrated power, propulsion and automation systems for these new ships underscores our commitment to supporting resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure worldwide,” said Saara Kuusisto, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “ABB shares a strong relationship with Orange Marine and Colombo Dockyard PLC, based on a legacy of successfully executed projects. We are proud to continue our collaboration with them on this landmark project that combines strong shipbuilding expertise with advanced electrical and propulsion technologies to set new benchmarks for cable ship performance.”