FORNEBU, NORWAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025
- ABB’s Dynamic Positioning Class 2 control solution passes sea trials on board DEME newbuild wind turbine installation vessel Norse Wind
- The solution enhances operational safety and decision making, and eliminates standby mode
- Combining Azipod® propulsion units with ABB’s bridge solutions delivers distinctive system integration benefits
ABB has verified a major advancement in vessel Dynamic Positioning (DP)
technology, following successful Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
(FMEA) proving trials and sea trials on board the new wind turbine
installation vessel (WTIV) Norse Wind.
By integrating ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control – a ship control
system that unifies dynamic positioning, maneuvering, and transit
functionalities into one intuitive interface – with Azipod®
propulsion units, the vessel showcases distinctive advantages of
system-level synergy. Meeting all performance expectations, ABB’s new
Dynamic Positioning Class 2 (DP2) control system draws on input from DP
operators, studies of accident logs and model-based control algorithms.
Offering full control at all operational stages, the DP solution
enhances vessel safety and operational decision making.
Sea trials onboard the DEME vessel Norse Wind verified the solution’s
continuous control capability, integrated with ABB’s PEMS™ power and
energy management system allowing for closed bus-tie operations. In
addition, ABB’s tactile AX Bridge levers and user interface enable a
clear situational overview of both the vessel and DP. The solution’s
functionality leverages dynamic vessel and thruster models that update
in real time to account for speed-induced changes in hydrodynamics.
As an industry leader in innovation and advanced technologies, we sought
a dynamic positioning solution that would raise the benchmark beyond the
long-standing standard,” said Jeroen Vanden Branden, Head of Fleet at
DEME. “ABB’s new DP2 control system delivers an advanced, intuitive,
and user-friendly experience, providing operators with all essential
information in a clean, modern interface. This system empowers our crews
with precision, reliability, and real-time insights – delivering the
performance and safety standards that modern DP operations demand.
the DEME sister ship Norse Energi will also feature the new ABB DP2
solution on its entry into service in early 2026.
“In developing the DP2 functionality for ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot
Control, combining it with Azipod® propulsion, and subsequently
verifying its performance at sea, our team has shown great vision, craft
and dedication,” said Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager, Marine
Systems, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “DEME has been an excellent
pioneering partner, fully buying into our vision for a safer and more
user-friendly DP control solution. I am proud of the collaboration and
excited to see a safer operating environment for crews and vessels
alike.”
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation,
enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting
its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run
at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and
sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to
Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000
employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange
(ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and
digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential
needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods
and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading
technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process,
hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner.
go.abb/processautomation.
