ABB has secured a contract to supply an integrated power and propulsion system for Allseas’ new semi-submersible heavy transport vessel Grand Tour.
Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) is building the 230-metre vessel for offshore contractor Allseas. Delivery is scheduled for 2028.
Grand Tour will support offshore wind projects by transporting large converter stations. These units will move from fabrication sites in Asia and Europe to Allseas’ construction vessel Pioneering Spirit for installation.
Grand Tour to transport loads of up to 40,000 tonnes
The new heavy transport vessel will carry loads of up to 40,000 tonnes on its stern deck.
During transfer operations, Grand Tour will position itself alongside Pioneering Spirit. It will then lower its main deck below the waterline, allowing converter stations to float directly onto the construction vessel.
Converter stations play an important role in long-distance offshore power transmission. They convert AC electricity generated by offshore wind turbines into DC electricity for transmission to shore.
The vessel will therefore require high levels of power and manoeuvrability during these operations.
ABB to supply four Azipod propulsion units
ABB’s package includes four 3.5 MW nozzled Azipod propulsion units.
The units can rotate 360 degrees and will support Grand Tour’s bollard pull and dynamic positioning requirements. They will also help the vessel manoeuvre alongside Pioneering Spirit during cargo transfers.
ABB will equip the units with optimised nozzles to improve efficiency during transit.
The gearless Azipod design also aims to reduce mechanical losses, fuel consumption, noise and vibration compared with conventional mechanical thrusters.
In addition, the system requires less lubrication oil. According to ABB, this can reduce maintenance requirements and operating costs.
The compact design of the propulsion units also provides greater flexibility during vessel design and installation.
ABB package includes power and energy management
ABB will also provide a medium-voltage AC power plant with a closed-ring configuration.
The system will use ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system. An enhanced power plant protection system will also be installed.
In addition, the powertrain package will include remote condition monitoring and maintenance capabilities.
“Grand Tour demonstrates GSI’s capabilities in delivering even the most complex vessels and marks another exciting collaboration with our long-standing and trusted partner, ABB,” said Zhou Xuhui, President, Guangzhou Shipyard International.
“It’s fantastic to see our power and propulsion technology delivering such strong value in demanding heavy-lift operations,” said Rune Braastad, President, ABB Marine & Ports.
“Projects like this demonstrate how advanced, integrated systems can make operations leaner, cleaner and more efficient, raising performance and safety to a new level, while also opening new market opportunities,” added Braastad.
Following its delivery in 2028, Grand Tour will become part of the logistics chain supporting offshore wind developments in Europe.
