ABB has introduced a new DP2 control capability that was recently proven at sea on DEME’s new wind turbine installation vessel Norse Wind. The development strengthens vessel handling and decision making for complex offshore operations. This marks another development towards safer and more efficient low-emission project vessels.
DEME’s latest wind turbine installation vessel, Norse Wind, has become the first to demonstrate ABB’s new Dynamic Positioning Class 2 functionality following a series of FMEA proving tests and sea trials. The trials confirmed that ABB’s unified control approach can support the precise station keeping required for offshore wind projects, an area where vessel owners are under pressure to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Central to the new capability is ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control, which brings manoeuvring, transit and positioning into a single interface. When paired with Azipod propulsion, the system works as an integrated whole, drawing on dynamic vessel and thruster models that update in real time. The control logic also reflects input from DP operators and lessons from historical incident data. According to ABB, the goal is to provide operators with a more complete picture while eliminating the need for standby mode.
Sea trials on Norse Wind were carried out with ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system. The vessel operated in closed bus-tie configuration throughout the programme and used ABB’s AX Bridge levers to support situational awareness on the bridge. DEME’s Head of Fleet, Jeroen Vanden Branden, said, “As an industry leader in innovation and advanced technologies, we sought a dynamic positioning solution that would raise the benchmark beyond the long-standing standard. ABB’s new DP2 control system delivers an advanced, intuitive, and user-friendly experience, providing operators with all essential information in a clean, modern interface. This system empowers our crews with precision, reliability, and real-time insights, delivering the performance and safety standards that modern DP operations demand.”
The Norse Energi, a sister vessel due to enter service in early 2026, will also be equipped with the new system. For operators engaged in offshore wind and other low-carbon projects, the appeal lies in improved handling, a simplified bridge environment and the ability to optimise power use through tighter integration of propulsion and energy management.
Rune Braastad, Business Line Manager for Marine Systems at ABB Marine and Ports, said, “In developing the DP2 functionality for ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control, combining it with Azipod propulsion, and subsequently verifying its performance at sea, our team has shown great vision, craft and dedication. DEME has been an excellent pioneering partner, fully buying into our vision for a safer and more user-friendly DP control solution. I am proud of the collaboration and excited to see a safer operating environment for crews and vessels alike.”
For offshore wind installation and service work, ABB’s development offers a clearer path toward reliable, integrated control on complex operations where accuracy and energy efficiency directly influence project delivery.
