The vessels – two of which will be built for the Royal Netherlands Navy and two for the Belgian Naval Component – are due for delivery between 2028 and 2031, with the first ship entering service in 2029.
Naval shipbuilders striving to keep pace with emissions-reduction goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are increasingly turning to solutions that optimize environmental performance while supporting the demanding operational profiles of military vessels, where variable power demands need to be available in seconds rather than minutes.
In collaboration with Damen Naval, ABB will supply a versatile electrical distribution system designed to deliver significant performance and sustainability benefits to naval surface vessels, with the flexibility to support a wide range of mission requirements as well as various loads and energy sources including future energy sources. Centered on ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ and featuring energy storage, transformers, motors and generators, the system enables reduced emissions, increased operational range, enhanced safety and weight and space savings. The system has been ruggedized for naval operations in harsh environments and conditions, with enhanced shock and vibration resistance, improved electromagnetic compatiblity and reduced electromagnetic interference levels.
"It is a testament to the positive cooperation between our two companies and the quality of their systems that we have now also signed an agreement for the ASW project," explains Joop Noordijk, ASWF-Project Director at Damen Naval. "ABB's Onboard DC Grid™ provides the operational efficiency and sustainability that the Dutch and Belgian navies demand from their new frigates."
“Securing a second order with Damen Naval is a clear indicator that the shipyard – and the naval market in general – has full confidence in the ability of Onboard DC Grid™ to facilitate the highly demanding operations of military vessels,” said Sindre Satre, Business Line Manager, ABB Coast Guard & Navy. “ABB is uniquely positioned to support navies in their efforts to enhance the operational performance and reduce the environmental impact of their ships in line with the requirements of the IMO.”
A decade on from its first installation, Onboard DC Grid™ has established itself as a staple in multiple vessel segments and has lately made headway in the naval and coast guard segments. Recent market breakthroughs include ABB’s first contract with Damen Naval – to supply Onboard DC Grid™ for four F126 frigates under construction for the German Navy – and an order with Meyer Turku to deliver the system platform, along with Azipod® propulsion technology, to two forthcoming Finnish Border Guard patrol vessels.
