ABB to power world’s largest diamond recovery vessel

ABB has been awarded a contract by Damen Shipyards Group for the delivery of an advanced power system for the world’s first custom-built diamond recovery vessel.

In addition to the advanced system for power generation, distribution, and variable speed drive propulsion systems, the integrated power system package will include a large online double-conversion marine uninterruptible power supply (MUPS) to support the ship’s vital control processes, thus significantly reducing the risk of critical power loss and downtime.

The Marin Teknikk-designed 177-metre vessel will be the largest ship in the fleet of De Beers Group, exceeding the size of its current largest vessel, the 174-metre Mafuta, by 8,000 tonnes displacement. It will also be the world’s largest purpose-built diamond recovery vessel following completion and delivery in 2022.

The vessel will be operated by Debmarine Namibia, a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group.

Construction is ongoing at Damen Shipyards Mangalia on Romania’s Black Sea coast.