The British ferry company P&O Ferries runs up to 23 sailings a day on its Dover, England to Calais, France route. ABB’s full scope of integrated solutions on two super-size hybrid ferries to become operational in 2023 will be pivotal to P&O’s sustainability program.
By using ABB’s Azipod® propulsion solution, which will use electric power from 8.8MWh batteries and diesel generators, P&O Ferries’ new vessels will reduce fuel consumption on its Dover-Calais route by 40 percent. Additionally, the batteries will provide full power for harbor maneuvering and in-port stays and will prepare the vessels for a zero-emission future as more electric shore charging stations become available.
The 230-meter-long vessels will be the largest passenger and freight ferries ever to sail the route. They will be built with a unique design featuring a pair of Azipod® units and a bridge at each end. With this design the ships will not have to turn in port. The captain and senior officers will simply walk to the opposite bridge, saving seven minutes on each outbound and return journey and one ton of fuel – a sixth of what is used on the 21-mile crossing.
Azipod® technology will also enable efficient maneuvering when the new ferries need to dock. Extending below the hull of a ship, the Azipod® system can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for more accurate and precise maneuvering, compared to conventional shaftline propulsion. This will save time and enable a precise schedule for the ferries. Azipod® technology improves the onboard experience for passengers and crew through its quiet-running and vibration-free operation.
The vessels will also be equipped with ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control, the intelligent maneuvering and control system that enables safer, more efficient operations by automating some navigational tasks to allow bridge officers to focus on optimizing overall ship control and positioning. With developments in sensor technology and digital analytics, ABB is driving the level of automation in ship navigation.
Additionally, the vessels’ engines will be equipped with ABB’s Power2 two-stage turbocharging system that will further improve power efficiency and help achieve up to five percent in fuel savings. The Power2 system will help reduce up to 60 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions.
