Guangzhou Shipyard taps ABB for power package on 40,000‑tonne transport vessel

Grand Tour will transport converter stations from Asia and Europe to offshore projects.

China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) has tapped ABB to supply an integrated power and propulsion package for a semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV).

The 230-metre HTV, Grand Tour, can carry up to 40,000 metric tonnes on its stern deck and will be delivered to Switzerland-based Allseas in 2028.

The vessel will support Europe’s offshore wind energy industry by carrying large converter stations from fabricators in Asia and Europe and transferring them directly to Allseas’ construction vessel Pioneering Spirit for installation.

Converter stations enable long-distance offshore power transmission by converting AC electricity from turbines into DC for transfer to shore via power cables, ABB said.

ABB’s supply includes four 3.5-megawatt nozzled Azipod units, providing thrust for Grand Tour’s bollard pull and dynamic positioning needs. The units can rotate 360 degrees to support precise manoeuvring into position at Pioneering Spirit’s bow.

The Azipod units will feature optimised nozzles to improve efficiency during transit. Their gearless design reduces mechanical losses and fuel consumption, helping to lower emissions, noise, and vibration compared with conventional mechanical thrusters.

The full ABB package includes a medium-voltage AC power plant with a closed-ring topology, controlled by its PEMS power and energy management system and enhanced power plant protection system.

The powertrain solution also includes remote condition monitoring and maintenance capabilities.