NKT Victoria, the advanced cable laying vessel has been crowned ‘Ship of the Year’ by Skipsrevyen at Nor-Shipping, in recognition of the vessel’s technology which includes Onboard DC Grid, Azipod® propulsion and marine software. The award was given in the presence of HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus.
The vessel is featuring ABB equipment. ABB’s Onboard DC Grid system is expected to increase the efficiency of the vessel by allowing the ship’s engines to work at variable speed, in combination with energy storage for peak shaving and enhanced dynamic performance, optimizing the energy consumption and reducing engine maintenance. Energy storage is also used for back-up for shore connection during cable loading, allowing the ship to be emission free during cable loading.
Three Azipod® C units will maximize the manoeuvrability of the ship and operate in DP3 mode when required. Azipod propulsion is significantly more fuel efficient than traditional propulsion systems, saving in excess of 700 000 tonnes of fuel.
The Azipod thrusters are amongst thirty-six main components that send out in excess of 1500 signals, culminating in a daily data package of approximately 80 megabytes – allowing the assets onboard to be remotely monitored. Data is not only analyzed on the vessel but also sent to shore through ABB’s Remote Diagnostics System to the ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operation Centers, giving insight into the performance of the vessel. This allows troubleshooting in the event of equipment failure as well as better-informed maintenance.
From ABB’s marine software, the Performance Management System and Voyage Advisory System is installed on the cable layer. These support systems helps the crew to optimize energy efficiency onboard the vessel and ensures safe and efficient voyage execution, by helping ship officers and engineers in making real time decisions.
