ABB Inks Deal for Orange Marine Cable Repair Newbuilds

Why It Matters

The contract strengthens ABB’s position in the marine‑electrical market while enabling Orange Marine to meet rising demand for faster, greener cable‑repair operations essential to global digital connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• ABB supplies integrated power, propulsion, automation for two hybrid vessels.
• Azipod DO units provide precise positioning, lower maintenance.
• Energy storage and PEMS cut fuel use and emissions.
• Global subsea cable fleet aging; demand for new vessels rising.
• Vessels slated for delivery 2028 and 2029 at Colombo Dockyard.

Pulse Analysis

The partnership between ABB and Orange Marine reflects a broader shift toward electrified, highly automated vessels in the maritime sector. By integrating Azipod® DO propulsion with a compact remote control system, the new ships achieve unprecedented maneuverability, a critical factor when aligning with delicate subsea cables. The gearless design also eliminates traditional lubrication needs, translating into lower lifecycle costs and a smaller environmental footprint—attributes increasingly demanded by regulators and shipowners alike.

Beyond propulsion, ABB’s Ability™ 800xA automation suite consolidates monitoring and control across power generation, energy storage, and auxiliary systems into a single interface. This digital backbone, complemented by the PEMS energy management platform, optimizes fuel consumption and balances load between generators and the onboard ESS. The result is a measurable reduction in emissions, positioning the vessels as early adopters of the maritime industry’s decarbonisation targets while delivering operational savings for Orange Marine.

The timing of this deal coincides with a projected 48% increase in global subsea cable length by 2040, driven by surging data traffic and the need for redundancy. As two‑thirds of the existing cable‑repair fleet approaches end‑of‑life, demand for modern, efficient platforms will intensify. ABB’s comprehensive solution not only meets current performance criteria but also future‑proofs the vessels against evolving regulatory standards and technological advancements, reinforcing the company’s foothold in the high‑growth marine power market.