In 2016 ABB launched an updated maritime software analytics platform that brought together its Emma and Octopus software applications into one suite, called Octopus. It enables external information, such as weather or cargo load parameters, to be combined with ships’ process and propulsion information. Octopus acts as a digital hub for vessel data that can improve efficiency across a whole fleet and it can gather unlimited signals from onboard sensors. On the same platform users can access a range of information including data about trim, bunker transfer, fuel consumption, power plant optimisation, electricity use, speed advice, propulsion power analysis and hull cleanliness.
Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB’s marine and ports business, said: “ABB has been quick to recognize the important role digitalization and software have to play in the shipping industry and Octopus has been deployed on a variety of ship types, helping vessels to operate more safely and efficiently.”
“For the first time we are bringing together two important features in the marine industry, energy efficiency optimisation and safe voyage execution, into the same software and analytics platform.
ABB’s Octopus software is being fitted on three new combination carriers for Norwegian owner Torvald Klaveness to assist with compliance with environmental regulations. Torvald Klaveness’ Fleet Performance Centre will use Octopus to monitor the performance of its ships. Christian Hovden, project manager at Torvald Klaveness said: “Klaveness wants to improve the very nature of shipping. Embracing digital technology like ABB’s Octopus marine software will help us realise our vision by allowing us to operate our vessels in a more efficient and sustainable way while complying with environmental regulations.”
In another new development ABB is upgrading its Remote Diagnostic Service (RDS). This supports its network of Integrated Operations Centers in Oslo, Helsinki, Singapore and Miami, which monitors data from ships. According to ABB the upgraded RDS software gives more power and transparency to the shore side operations of shipowners, and ABB has stepped up its proactive monitoring of the data and predictive analytics. The latest version of RDS software allows shipping companies to deploy their own analytics, or those from a third party.
Kenneth Nakken, vice president for digital services at ABB’s marine and ports business, said: “Through our Integrated Operations Centers we aim to be connected to 3,000 vessels by 2020.”
Other companies operating in Norway have developed approved energy storage systems for marine applications, too. Corvus Energy, Saft and Plan B Energy Storage (PBES) have each gained approval for their energy storage units from the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). Corvus said its Orca energy storage system had passed the NMA’s thermal runaway propagation testing, which proves the safety of the storage unit for hybrid or fully electric propulsion systems.
Corvus executive vice president for sales and marketing Halvard Hauso said that to date Orca had been installed on eight tugs. “Our batteries can reduce fuel consumption, can be used for peak shaving on a vessel or can be used as back-up to the main propulsion.”
Saft’s Seanergy marine energy storage system has been approved for use in a variety of hybrid and fully electric propulsion applications.
The NMA also approved the PBES lithium marine energy storage system for use in electric and hybrid vessels. Trondheim-based PBES uses the CellCool cooling and E-Vent ventilation systems.
Brent Perry, chief executive of PBES, said: “Recognition by an organisation like the NMA shows the world that the safe deployment of lithium energy storage is no longer a goal. It is here today.”
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