ABB has secured a contract to provide integrated electric power and Azipod® propulsion systems for two new Oceanco superyachts due in 2031 and 2032. Featuring Onboard DC Grid™ technology and 8.4 MW of total propulsion power, the vessels are designed for peak efficiency and Ice Class 1C operations. This collaboration emphasizes the luxury sector’s transition toward hybrid-electric configurations and alternative fuel readiness.
Finland | March 10, 2026 – In a significant reinforcement of the shift toward sustainable luxury, Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco has signed a major contract with ABB to power two upcoming superyachts. The agreement will see the integration of a full suite of electric power and propulsion technologies, designed to deliver “silent” operation and high-efficiency performance for deliveries scheduled in 2031 and 2032.
The heart of the newbuilds will be ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™, a system that simplifies the electrical architecture by allowing various energy sources, including batteries and potentially hydrogen fuel cells, to be integrated seamlessly.
The Engineering: 8.4 MW of Precision Power
Each vessel will be equipped with dual 4.2-megawatt Azipod® propulsors. These units are not only chosen for their fuel efficiency but for their Ice Class 1C rating, allowing these luxury vessels to navigate safely in light ice conditions, a growing requirement for “expedition-style” superyachts.
Technical Highlights of the ABB Suite:
- Onboard DC Grid™: Optimizes energy flow and prepares the vessels for a “plug-and-play” transition to alternative fuels.
- Azipod® Technology: The gearless design eliminates mechanical transmission losses, drastically reducing noise and vibration, the ultimate luxury metrics.
- Peak Shaving: An integrated battery energy storage system (ESS) uses ABB’s PEMS™ to manage load optimization, reducing generator running hours and associated emissions.
- Remote Support: The ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System (RDS) provides 24/7 proactive troubleshooting to ensure maximum uptime for the owners.
The Oceanco-ABB Alliance
This contract isn’t the first time these two giants have crossed paths. In 2025, the companies successfully tested the ABB Dynafin™, a pioneering cycloidal propulsion concept, at the Marine Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN). This latest order cements a long-term partnership aimed at redefining the “power plant principle” for the world’s most discerning maritime clients.
“At OCEANCO, we are committed to providing yacht owners with ultimate efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. We recognize that the power plant principle based on DC integration and electric propulsion, as well-established technologies, is critical to this objective,” said Marcel Onkenhout, CEO, OCEANCO. “ABB’s integrated power and propulsion solutions are proven to deliver exceptional performance across the board, while the company’s collaborative approach and technical expertise make it an excellent project partner. We look forward to working with ABB to deliver these highly sophisticated vessels to our discerning clients.”
“This collaboration further strengthens our long-standing relationship with our trusted partner OCEANCO”, said Rune Braastad, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “It also reaffirms our commitment to supporting the yacht industry’s journey toward leaner and cleaner operations. The two forthcoming vessels perfectly demonstrate the close interplay between luxury and environmental responsibility, and we are looking forward to seeing them in operation.”
About the Companies
About Oceanco
Based in Alblasserdam, Oceanco is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier builders of custom superyachts in the 80m to 160m+ range. Known for iconic vessels like Black Pearl and Koru, the shipyard is a leader in “Oceanco NXT,” an initiative focused on zero-emission yachting and life-cycle sustainability.
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
About ABB Marine & Ports
A division of the Swiss-Swedish technology giant ABB, the ABB Marine & Ports business is the architect behind the “Electric. Digital. Connected.” maritime revolution. Their Azipod® propulsion has become the gold standard for cruise ships and high-end yachts, offering up to 20% fuel savings over traditional shaft-line systems.
Source: ABB Marine & Ports