ABB Marine & Ports’ new shore link technology ensures that Viking XPRS passenger ferry calls to Estonia’s Port of Tallinn are made in a quiet, effective and emission-free manner.
The ferry, built in 2008, operates on a 2.5-hour route across the Baltic Sea between Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland, which is usually docked twice a day in the Estonian region.
ABB’s shore connection technology is designed for easy integration of all types of ships and is managed by the vessel itself, so that sequencing does not require the involvement of any shore-based personnel.
Its sustainable in-harbor activity is highly valued at city ports such as Tallinn, which can have a major effect on local air quality. Due to the frequency of port calls made by Viking XPRS, the shore link would also save large amounts of fuel.
Earlier this year, the Port of Tallinn deployed the newest ABB shore power systems at five of its piers in Old City Harbour, as part of Estonia’s first shore power project , allowing shore power vessels to draw on land-based port power.
“ABB’s shore connection is the latest initiative in our ongoing sustainability program. Installing a shore connection system on boardViking XPRS, and having the shore power available in the Port of Tallinn will make a significant contribution to clean air within the port and its surroundings. We have successfully collaborated with ABB on a number of projects, and the fact that ABB provides installations aboard ship and in port, with prompt delivery and backed up by 24-hour support, has proved compelling.”
Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, senior vice president, corporate communications, Viking Line.
“It is an honor to support Viking Line in its journey toward sustainable shipping. Our shore connection is designed for all types of ships, with safety and simplicity in mind. This is also another key step in ensuring that Baltic Sea ports continue on their forward-looking path to eliminate emissions.”
Jyri Jusslin, SVP and head of service at ABB Marine & Ports.
ABB’s full spectrum of supply for Viking XPRS included a shore-connection control board with three different ship-shore communication links, ensuring secure communications at all times.
ABB also provided a medium-voltage switchgear, an 11kV-400V transformer, a circuit breaker for drydock link and a low-voltage main switchboard breaker.
The distribution follows the latest IEC-standard for shore connections, which demands a higher degree of safety and environmental efficiency than ever before on the ship. The commissioning was carried out during the regular service of the vessel.
As a pioneer in the field of electrical shipping and smart port technology, ABB Marine & Ports provides extensive shore link solutions with state-of-the-art on-shore and on-board infrastructure. Systems comply with international legislation which include high and medium voltage switchgears, transformers, frequency converters, control and safety systems and more.
