Onboard DC Grid™

Onboard DC Grid™ is a modular power system platform, that enables simple flexible and functional integration of energy sources and loads. The system platform is highly customizable for the simple to the most demanding applications, covering the low to mid-power range. Onboard DC Grid™ streamlines the building of next generation power systems.

Do you have questions?

Please leave them here and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Contact us

Attractive CAPEX


All DC based sources are more functional and cheaper to integrate, lowering the total investment cost of the power train. Easy to adapt and add on new energy sources later on.  

Reliable system


Highly fault tolerant system platform, using high quality components and autonomous sub-system design philosophy, resulting in safer and more efficient operations.
 

Lower OPEX


Reduced operating expenditures through reduced fuel consumption, prolonged maintenance intervals and reduced emissions-related costs. In addition, high fault tolerance allows for more efficient operations.

Highlights

Press release

ABB introduces CO2e Calculator for enhanced transparency on emissions in vessel operations

The CO2e Calculator allows shipowners to estimate the reductions in carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions enabled by ABB solutions

Press release

ABB to power Samskip’s new hydrogen-fueled container vessels

ABB has secured a complete power, propulsion and automation systems order for Samskip Group’s hydrogen-powered container vessels

Press release

ABB to power two new multi-purpose patrol vessels for Finnish Border Guard

ABB will supply an integrated power and propulsion package comprising dual Azipod® propulsors and the Onboard DC Grid™ power system for two newbuild Finnish Border Guard patrol vessels

Generations: Business insight

ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ continues to set the standard in vessel electrification – 10 years after first installation

With the groundbreaking first installation of Onboard DC Grid™ in 2013, ABB became the first company to deliver a direct current (DC)-based onboard power system to an oceangoing vessel.

Did you know

Onboard DC Grid™

Did you know direct current (DC) power is making it easier for ships to use clean energy and adapt to new energy sources in the future? Find out more

Press release

ABB wins Azipod® propulsion and integrated systems order for Van Oord offshore wind installation Jack Up Vessel (JUV)

Van Oord’s newbuild offshore wind installation vessel Boreas will benefit from space and weight savings enabled by ABB’s equipment allowing the vessel to transport heavier loads

Press release

Frøy selects ABB’s power system for new hybrid live-fish carrier

In a repeat order, Frøy selects ABB as a system integrator for the specially designed DC power distribution solution onboard its newbuild live-fish carrier

Generations: Technical insight

Modeling and HIL simulation of a fuel cell-fed hybrid power and propulsion system

Environmentally driven regulations have had a significant impact on shipping in recent years. This paper describes a DC-grid, fuel-cell powered hybrid shipboard power system using an average modeling method.

Press release

ABB to power world’s first hybrid-electric biomass fuel carriers

ABB’s power distribution technology selected by IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. for hybrid-electric propulsion vessel called ROBOSHIP. ABB’s compact DC distribution solution allows vessel to draw on multiple energy sources, enhancing efficiency and future-proofing ships for emission-free operations.
Press release

ABB to enable smooth sailing for a 100-meter-plus superyacht

The new Abeking & Rasmussen built superyacht will benefit from ABB’s fully integrated power and propulsion system to optimize comfort while reducing emissions.
Web story

Onboard DC Grid™: flexible power distribution for modern vessel operations

As the energy sources available to the maritime industry evolve, so must the power platform enabling them. ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ is a flexible power distribution system delivering efficiency gains to the ships of today and futureproofing them for the challenges of tomorrow.

Press release

ABB to become technology partner for world’s first methanol-hydrogen fuel cell towboat

ABB and industry partners to develop Hydrogen One, an ultra-low emission long-range towboat able to run for multiple days between fueling.
Press release

ABB to power first fully electric U.S. tugboat for maximum efficiency and zero-emission operations

ABB will deliver an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced vessel control technology for Crowley’s pioneering eWolf tug, built for sustainable and safe operations at the Port of San Diego.


ABB and Incat sign LOI to develop lightweight hybrid-electric ferry

ABB and Incat Tasmania will explore building an electric ferry with hybrid-electric propulsion which could transition to battery power as shore charging becomes available. This paves the way for ABB to supply zero-emission power, propulsion solutions and evaluate a future commercial arrangement. The Incat 148E would be built in Australia to DNV class, operating at speeds of up to 21 knots. It would feature ABB's Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution, ABB Ability™ Power and Energy Management System™ and 800xA distributed control systems. 

Learn more

The Onboard DC Grid™ technology

What is special about DC?

The role of DC in the marine industry is maturing and it is clear that Shipping 4.0 – electric, digital, and connected – spells a bright future for DC-based electric propulsion. A DC-based power system enables simple, flexible and functional integration of energy sources such as variable speed gensets and shaft generators, batteries and fuel cells. Also, a DC and power-electronics based power system provides a unique platform for digital solutions onboard a vessel. Equipped with sensors and communication infrastructure, data is transmitted between systems in an instance. This gives access to information that enable the bridge to monitor and optimise their performance. And, better connectivity between ship and shore mean that performance management is taken to the next level. Onboard DC Grid™ is gaining traction in a wide range of vessel types, and the reason...

Read more
Learn how Onboard DC Grid™ is supporting one of the world's most advanced cable laying vessels

Key references

WEBSTORY
ABB technology helps advanced cable-laying vessel achieve up to 60 percent in fuel savings


With ABB’s power, control, distribution and automation solutions, specialized cable layer NKT Victoria achieves up to 60 percent fuel saving when compared with cable-layers in its class operating in the market.

Read more
REFERENCE CASE
ABB powers futuristic hybrid ferry on Norwegian fjords


ABB is providing integral technology to one of the most innovative ship designs ever seen on the Norwegian fjords. The ferry will couple its striking appearance with ABB’s cutting edge maritime hybrid solution.

Read more

Related solutions

Energy storage
Fuel cell
Shore connection
Variable speed shaft generator (PTO/PTI)

Need a more compact DC solution?
Discover Onboard Microgrid


A compact DC distribution solution for easy connection to green power sources in smaller vessels

Select region / language

Popular links