The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted ABB approval in principal (AIP) for its Onboard DC Grid power distribution system.
Offshore staff
ZURICH, Switzerland – The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted ABB approval in principal (AIP) for its Onboard DC Grid power distribution system.
The AIP is a framework used to review and approve innovative and novel concepts not covered by traditional classification rules. To be granted the AIP, the Onboard DC Grid was subject to a series of risk assessment techniques to determine if the concept provides acceptable levels of safety in line with current marine industry practice, requirements, and standards.
ABB says that the Onboard DC Grid system allows generators to operate at variable speed, which, in turn, offers up to 20% fuel savings over a conventional plant, and also has space savings potential, improved dynamic response, and reduced emissions. In addition, ABB’s solution enables supplementary DC energy sources, including solar panels, fuel cells, or batteries to be plugged directly into the ship's DC electrical systems, creating scope for further fuel savings.
The platform support vessel Dina Star, delivered to Norwegian offshore owner Myklebusthaug Offshore by Kleven Yard in April 2013, is the first powered with ABB’s full Onboard DC grid system to provide fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
