ABB has secured a contract to deliver integrated electrical power, propulsion, and automation systems for two hybrid-electric cable repair vessels being constructed at Colombo Dockyard PLC in Sri Lanka. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029 and will support submarine cable maintenance operations across the Atlantic and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Black, and Red seas. Orange Marine, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Orange Group, specializes in installing and maintaining subsea telecommunications cables. This agreement marks an important milestone in ABB's expansion into the marine industry.
Under the contract, ABB will supply a comprehensive integrated package including power generation, propulsion, and automation technologies designed to optimize operational efficiency and reliability during complex subsea cable repair work. The propulsion arrangement at the core of the system will feature ABB's Azipod DO propulsion units paired with Compact RCS, providing high levels of maneuverability and thrust control. This enables precise vessel positioning—critical for cable repair operations—while reducing lubrication oil requirements and maintenance needs.
The gearless Azipod design also simplifies installation and improves vessel layout flexibility by virtue of its compact footprint. Additionally, the ships will be equipped with the ABB Ability 800xA Integrated Automation System, enabling crews to monitor and control onboard systems from a single interface. Furthermore, ABB's PEMS power and energy management system will optimize the use of onboard power resources, further enhancing efficiency.
The vessels will also feature an integrated energy storage system (ESS) to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while ABB's Remote Diagnostic System will provide round-the-clock technical support to improve uptime and operational safety. The scope of work includes generators, low-voltage switchboards, propulsion and thruster drives, thruster motors, and transformers. These advanced technologies will significantly contribute to the vessels' performance and efficiency.
Demand for cable repair vessels is expected to grow sharply in the coming decades as global subsea telecommunications infrastructure expands. According to recent reports, the total length of subsea cables deployed worldwide is projected to increase by 48% by 2040, driven by rising data traffic and the need for network redundancy. This growth presents significant opportunities for ABB's integrated power, propulsion, and automation systems.
Aging cable maintenance fleets pose a challenge in meeting this growing demand. Much of the existing fleet is nearing the end of its service life, with roughly two-thirds expected to reach their operational limits by 2040. Orange Marine's new vessels will play a crucial role in addressing this shortage and supporting the expansion of global subsea telecommunications infrastructure.
The integration of ABB's advanced propulsion and automation systems will significantly enhance the vessels' ability to perform complex subsea interventions safely and efficiently while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This aligns with Orange Marine's objectives to reduce its environmental footprint and support sustainable operations.
Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director and CEO of Colombo Dockyard PLC, praised ABB's experience in marine electrical and propulsion systems, citing the company as a natural partner for the project. Saara Kuusisto, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB Marine & Ports, highlighted the importance of advanced marine technology in supporting global digital infrastructure.
Subsea cable systems are the backbone of the global digital economy, and ABB's selection to provide integrated power, propulsion, and automation systems for these vessels underscores the company's commitment to supporting resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure worldwide. As the demand for subsea telecommunications continues to grow, ABB's advanced technologies will play a vital role in meeting this challenge.
The integration of ABB's advanced propulsion and automation systems will significantly enhance the vessels' ability to perform complex subsea interventions safely and efficiently while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
