ABB has announced a significant advancement in Dynamic Positioning (DP) technology following successful trials on the wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) Norse Wind. The integration of ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control—a unified ship control system—with Azipod propulsion units has demonstrated notable system-level advantages. This new Dynamic Positioning Class 2 (DP2) system incorporates insights from DP operators, accident log studies, and model-based control algorithms to enhance vessel safety and operational decision-making.
The sea trials confirmed the solution’s continuous control capability, working in tandem with ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system for efficient closed bus-tie operations. The user-friendly interface, featuring tactile AX Bridge levers, provides operators with a clear situational overview of the vessel and its DP functionalities. The system also utilizes dynamic vessel and thruster models that adjust in real-time to changes in hydrodynamics.
ABB’s DP2 solution will also be implemented on the sister ship Norse Energi, set to enter service in early 2026. Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager at ABB, praised the collaboration with DEME, highlighting the shared vision for a safer and more intuitive DP control solution.
