ABB has secured a contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International to deliver an integrated power and propulsion package featuring four 3.5MW Azipod units for Allseas’ new heavy transport vessel, Grand Tour. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the 230-meter vessel will transport massive converter stations to the Pioneering Spirit, serving as a vital logistics link for Europe’s offshore wind industry. The comprehensive solution combines advanced maneuverability, a closed-ring medium-voltage AC power plant, and digital energy management systems to drive leaner, cleaner, and safer heavy-lift operations.
Helsinki, Finland | August 11, 2026 – ABB has landed a major contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) to deliver a comprehensive, integrated power and propulsion package for Grand Tour, a new state-of-the-art semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV) commissioned by global offshore contractor Allseas.
Slated for delivery in 2028, the 230-meter-long vessel will serve as a vital logistical linchpin supporting Europe’s rapidly expanding offshore wind energy sector.
Bridging the Gap in Offshore Wind Logistics
The Grand Tour is engineered to play a critical role in the deployment of massive offshore wind infrastructure. Its primary mission is to transport colossal converter stations, fabricated across Asia and Europe, and transfer them directly to Allseas’ legendary construction vessel, Pioneering Spirit, for final installation.
Converter stations act as the technological heart of long-distance offshore power transmission. They are responsible for converting alternating current (AC) electricity generated by wind turbines into direct current (DC) for efficient, high-capacity site-to-shore power transmission via submarine cables.
Key Operational Specs:
- Vessel Length: 230 meters
- Payload Capacity: Up to 40,000 metric tons on its stern deck
- Core Operation: Positioning itself alongside Pioneering Spirit while ballasting down to submerge its main deck below the waterline, floating converter stations directly on or off the vessel.
Advanced Propulsion: Azipod® Technology at the Core
Due to the extreme precision required during heavy-lift operations alongside the Pioneering Spirit, power, control, and maneuverability are paramount. ABB is outfitting the Grand Tour with four 3.5MW nozzled Azipod® propulsion units.
- Precision and Control: The gearless Azipod® units provide 360-degree rotatability, granting the critical combination of high bollard pull and exact dynamic positioning (DP) needed to lock into position safely at the Pioneering Spirit’s bow.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Equipped with optimized nozzles, the propulsion system guarantees superior transit efficiency.
- Sustainability and Reduced Emissions: By eliminating complex gear trains, Azipod® systems minimize mechanical losses, substantially cutting down fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions.
- Comfort and Maintenance: The technology drastically reduces noise and vibration compared to traditional mechanical thrusters. Furthermore, its gearless architecture requires less lubrication oil, lowering ongoing maintenance requirements, reducing operating costs, and providing a compact footprint that optimizes vessel design flexibility.
Comprehensive Power and Energy Management
Beyond propulsion, ABB’s full-scope package encompasses an advanced, highly integrated electrical ecosystem designed to maximize reliability and uptime during demanding offshore maneuvers:
- Medium-Voltage AC Power Plant: Configured in a robust closed ring topology.
- PEMS™ Power and Energy Management System: Ensures seamless distribution and control of onboard electricity.
- Enhanced Power Plant Protection System (EPPS): Delivers superior safety and fault tolerance.
- Digital Integration: Complete with remote condition monitoring and proactive maintenance capabilities to ensure maximum operational readiness.
Leadership Perspectives
Leadership from both GSI and ABB highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration and the advanced engineering behind the project.
“Grand Tour demonstrates GSI’s capabilities in delivering even the most complex vessels and marks another exciting collaboration with our long-standing and trusted partner, ABB.” said, Zhou Xuhui, President, Guangzhou Shipyard International
“It’s fantastic to see our power and propulsion technology delivering such strong value in demanding heavy-lift operations. Projects like this demonstrate how advanced, integrated systems can make operations leaner, cleaner and more efficient, raising performance and safety to a new level, while also opening new market opportunities.” said, Rune Braastad, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports Division
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, ABB enables a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. Combining engineering expertise with digitalization, the company helps industries outperform. With a history spanning over 140 years, ABB employs approximately 110,000 people globally, with shares listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
ABB Automation Business Focuses on automating, electrifying, and digitalizing essential industrial operations, spanning energy, water, materials, production, and transportation. Backed by roughly 26,000 employees, the division helps process, hybrid, and maritime industries operate leaner and cleaner under the banner of “Engineered to Outrun.”
Source: ABB