Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. As Wärtsilä’s technology partner, ABB is securing the reliability, high energy efficiency, sustainable solutions and automated production processes in the technology center.
ABB in Finland has delivered and installed the primary power distribution solution with switchgear and protection relays, as well as robotic technologies with ABB’s robotics partners. ABB is also responsible for the implementation services of the entire system.
“We are excited to provide our top-level Finnish technology expertise in Wärtsilä’s modern research, product development and production center in Vaasa. The primary power distribution solution with protection relays allows for safe, sustainable and energy-efficient power distribution and use in the center,” explains ABB’s Sales Manager Mika Numminen.
The management, design and implementation of the power distribution project is being handled by ABB’s local Energy Industries division in Vaasa, so support is nearby when needed. In addition, the facility uses numerous ABB robots to automate Wärtsilä’s production. The applications for demanding production processes have been designed and implemented with ABB’s robotics partners.
New solutions in collaboration
Wärtsilä’s new technology center is an ecosystem in which companies, organizations, start-ups and universities can meet, share experiences, and create new smart solutions for maritime transport and the energy industry.
ABB and Wärtsilä have been collaborating for decades in power plant and maritime power distribution and automation solutions.
“Our long-standing experience is being put to good use in the new technology center, where we are using solutions from several fields of business to promote a safe and efficient working environment. In addition, we can use the Smart Technology Hub and its cooperation opportunities to create new power and automation solutions for Wärtsilä or other customers,” Numminen adds.
“We are very pleased to deepen our cooperation with ABB and welcome them to our partner network. We have selected Smart Technology Hub partners who can provide us with the best products and solutions available. At the same time, we are creating a mutually beneficial agile ecosystem for the deployment of innovative marine and energy industry solutions,” says Vesa Riihimäki, Director, Delivery Management, Wärtsilä.
ABB is delivering the primary power distribution solution and robotic technologies to technology company Wärtsilä’s Smart Technology Hub research, product development and production center, which is being completed in Vaskiluoto, Vaasa this year. Photo: Wärtsilä. 
ABB’s UniGear with Relion® REX640 protection relays is a part of a primary power distribution solution delivered by ABB that allows safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient power supply and usage. 
Different types of ABB robots automate Wärtsilä’s production in the Smart Technology Hub. The high payload robot IRB 8700 is the fastest of its size class, and its capacity is as much as 1,000 kg.
