ABB to power electric Spanish navy submarine rescue vessel

ABB has secured an order with Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company Navantia to supply the Spanish Navy’s forthcoming submarine rescue vessel, Poseidon, with DC-based power and distribution.

Following the delivery scheduled for 2026, the vessel will reportedly be the first of its kind equipped with this system. The ship will be responsible for executing and supporting submarine missions, including diving operations, intervention and rescue in accidents and shipwrecks and underwater surveillance, including protection of cultural heritage.

Comprising ABB Onboard DC Grid, transformers, alternators, battery system and ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system, ABB’s scope of supply will enable Poseidon to meet the Spanish Navy’s requirements for dynamic positioning and strict position-keeping capability as well as systems reliability and redundancy. The Onboard DC Grid is intended to deliver high efficiency and platform flexibility to support the vessel’s varied operations, with the battery system covering peak power demands during rescue missions. Meanwhile, the power and energy management system will ensure Poseidon’s total power resources are used in a way that optimizes safety and operational efficiency.

ABB says its DC-based power and distribution system is built on commercial technology and offers high levels of fault tolerance and redundancy, helping to ensure high levels of vessel availability. In addition, the Spanish Navy will gain access to ABB’s service network, which includes a presence in Spain, including its robust support offering throughout the vessel’s lifecycle. In the future, as environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, the Spanish Navy will also be able to integrate the Onboard DC Grid system into future energy sources.

“The extremely demanding nature of submarine rescue missions calls for the highest standards in safety, fault tolerance and systems integrity from the onboard power and distribution system,” said Sindre Satre, business line manager of the Coast Guard and Navy department at ABB Marine and Ports. “This order is the latest testament to the operational, service, financial and risk mitigation benefits that come with choosing a commercial, off-the-shelf solution like Onboard DC Grid from a reliable technology partner such as ABB. We are proud to have been selected for this project and to continue our collaboration with Navantia and the Spanish Navy.”

Read more key power and propulsion updates from the electric and hybrid marine technology industry, here.