Dutch heavy lift company Roll Group has agreed a deal to implement the OCTOPUS optimisation software system from ABB on board its latest vessel, BigRoll Biscay.
BigRoll Biscay becomes the eighth vessel in the fleet to implement ABB’s software, which is used to improve the safety and efficiency of ship operations by optimising routes based on weather and forecasted vessel motions.
The software contract for the 12,285 DWT module carrier, which joined the Roll Group fleet in early 2020, extends a relationship between the parties that has existed since 2009, when the first vessel contract for the OCTOPUS system was signed.
BigRoll Biscay will also have access to the ABB Ability Marine Fleet Portal under the deal, which allows shipowners to continuously track vessels and download their operations data for further evaluation.
“Protecting cargo through motion monitoring and forecasting is key, considering the value of the heavy loads Roll Group takes care of,” said Joep Janssens, Sr Project Engineer, Roll Group.
“OCTOPUS provides advice that helps us avoid sea areas where excessive vessel motions are likely to occur, protecting our cargo from damage. While minimising the environmental forces, motion-based route optimisation also decreases fuel consumption and helps cut emissions as a result.”
“The combination of OCTOPUS and Marine Fleet Portal means that we maintain full visibility of the asset and get up-to-date data that allows us to improve our operations.”
