ABB has secured a major contract to supply integrated hybrid-electric propulsion and automation systems for two new Orange Marine cable repair vessels. Built by Colombo Dockyard for delivery in 2028-2029, the ships will feature Azipod® propulsion and energy storage systems to enhance maneuverability and reduce emissions. This fleet renewal addresses a projected 48% increase in global subsea cable infrastructure by 2040.
Singapore | March 9, 2026 – In a strategic move to modernize the world’s aging subsea cable maintenance fleet, Orange Marine has selected ABB to provide a fully integrated power, propulsion, and automation suite for two next-generation repair vessels.
The contract, awarded by Sri Lankan shipbuilder Colombo Dockyard PLC, will see the vessels equipped with ABB’s signature Azipod® technology and energy storage systems. Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, these hybrid-electric ships are designed to meet the skyrocketing demand for subsea connectivity while drastically reducing the carbon footprint of deep-sea interventions.
The Technical Core: Precision Meets Efficiency
Cable repair is one of the most demanding niches in the maritime industry, requiring vessels to maintain a stationary position or move with millimeter precision in volatile sea states.
ABB’s scope of supply addresses these challenges through a “total-integrated” approach:
- Azipod® DO Propulsion: The gearless, steerable pods provide 360-degree thrust, eliminating the need for traditional shaft lines and minimizing lubrication oil requirements.
- ABB Ability™ 800xA: A unified automation environment that allows the crew to manage propulsion, power, and sensors from a single interface.
- Energy Storage System (ESS): A battery-backed hybrid setup that enables “peak shaving,” allowing engines to run at optimal loads and reducing fuel consumption during high-precision station-keeping.
- PEMS™ Management: The Power and Energy Management System ensures that every kilowatt—whether from generators or batteries—is used with maximum efficiency.
The 2040 Connectivity Crisis
The timing of this order is critical. Data from TeleGeography suggests a 48% increase in global subsea cable kilometers by 2040. However, the specialized fleet required to maintain this “backbone of the digital economy” is aging rapidly.
Experts estimate that two-thirds of current cable maintenance ships will reach the end of their service life by 2040. Orange Marine’s investment ensures they remain a dominant player in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Black, and Red Seas.
“The integration of ABB’s Azipod® propulsion and energy management solutions will enhance our vessels’ ability to perform complex subsea interventions safely and efficiently,” said Didier Dillard, CEO of Orange Marine.
A Tripartite Partnership
This project reinforces a long-standing industrial triangle between Orange Marine, ABB, and Colombo Dockyard. For Colombo Dockyard, the project cements its status as a premier builder of complex, high-tech specialized vessels.
Saara Kuusisto, Global Business Line Manager at ABB Marine & Ports, noted “Subsea cable systems are the backbone of the global digital economy. This project sets new benchmarks for cable ship performance by combining shipbuilding expertise with advanced electrical technologies.”
About the Companies
Orange Marine
A 100% subsidiary of the Orange Group, Orange Marine is a global leader in submarine cable telecommunications. From design and engineering to installation and maintenance, the company operates a specialized fleet representing 15% of the world’s cable ships. They are a critical link in global connectivity, ensuring the integrity of the fiber-optic networks that power the internet.
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation. Its ABB Marine & Ports division is a pioneer in the “Electric. Digital. Connected.” shift, famous for inventing the Azipod® propulsion system which has transformed cruise, icebreaking, and offshore vessel efficiency. With over 140 years of history, ABB employs 110,000 people across the globe.
Source: ABB