ABB and ZPMC to Jointly Develop Energy Efficient Propulsion Solutions for Deep Sea Offshore Vessels
Improving operating capability and efficiency of deep water offshore vessels
Zurich, Switzerland, April 2, 2009- ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it has signed an agreement with ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery Co.Ltd), one of the most recognized manufacturers of cranes and steel structures, to jointly develop more efficient propulsion solutions for deep sea offshore vessels.
ABB and ZPMC will develop solutions for offshore vessels with demand of relatively deep operating draught, such as heavy carriers or drilling platforms. New solutions will utilize ABB's Compact Azipod® technology, providing significant advantages in terms of operating efficiency and availability over the whole lifecycle, as well as excellent station keeping capabilities combined with compact size and easy installation. These new solutions would represent an untapped market for ABB's Azipod® propulsion system.
"ABB continues to collaborate with industry leaders like ZPMC to provide innovative solutions for new industry applications, that will help our mutual customers operate more efficiently and sustainably," said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB's Process Automation division. "This agreement represents an excellent opportunity to provide these benefits to customers in an important new market area."
ABB and ZPMC have long history of working together. ABB has provided variable speed drives and electrical systems for ZPMC's cranes and vessels all over the world.
Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) is a world-famous manufacturer of cranes and large steel structures. ZPMC's products are in use at 73 countries and regions, and over 120 terminals around the world.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people.
