Sovcomflot’s icebreaking LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie has completed the implementation of a range of new remote diagnostics services from ABB, to monitor safety and performance, detect and correct faults on board, and provide predictive analytics for optimisation of operations.
The vessel made use of the systems during a recent transit of the Northern Sea Route two months earlier than usual, bound for China with Yamal LNG cargo. The vessel had access to round-the-clock remote support throughout the journey, provided through ABB’s global network of eight ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Centers.
“ABB Azipod propulsion, with which Christophe de Margerie is equipped, strongly contributed to the vessel’s successful passage along the Northern Sea Route while facing some of the world’s most challenging ice conditions,” said Igor Tonkovidov, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sovcomflot.
“ABB’s Remote Diagnostics System ensures that our crews can rely on a robust round-the-clock support, which helps enhance vessel performance and operational safety.”
The ARC7 ice-class tanker previously made history as the first merchant vessel to cross the full length of the Northern Sea Route without icebreaker assistance in 2017. This latest deal brings the total number of Sovcomflot vessels supported by ABB’s remote diagnostics service to 16.
“This latest development in our long cooperation with Sovcomflot is another major step forward in our ‘Electric. Digital. Connected.’ strategy,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports.
“It comes at a key moment in shipping’s digital journey, with real-time support for a sophisticated vessel such as Christophe de Margerie demonstrating that our connected expertise can be delivered in full, no matter how remote the location.”
