ABB and MeteoGroup to secure Maersk Line’s container vessels

Power and automation technology firm ABB and Dutch weather forecasting specialist, MeteoGroup, have received an order to equip Maersk Line’s container vessels with advisory software.

As part of this new development, ABB will work with MeteoGroup to install Maersk Line’s 140 container vessels with the software to optimise routes, boost maritime safety and protect precious cargo.

The advisory software will help the vessel operators to avoid conditions that could be harmful to the ship, its crew or its cargo.

“Both MeteoGroup and ABB take great pride in the fact that we are delivering an onboard advisory tool for the world’s biggest container shipping company.”

ABB Marine and Ports business unit managing director Heikki Soljama said: “Both MeteoGroup and ABB take great pride in the fact that we are delivering an onboard advisory tool for the world’s biggest container shipping company.

“This will enable Maersk to execute cargo transportation across the world in a safe and efficient manner.”

The contract will see ABB integrating its Octopus motion-monitoring, forecasting and decision-support software with MeteoGroup’s SPOS Seekeeping plug-in.

This solution will allow the vessel operator to define on-board loading conditions also to find out areas where the ship’s motion is likely to exceed threshold values.

With these capabilities, the shipping routes can be optimised to avoid adverse conditions to make sure the safe delivery of the cargo.
ABB’s Octopus advisory suite comprises a three-dimensional hydrodynamic database for each individual hull type.

With MeteoGroup’s solution, it will be able to offer accurate calculations about how a ship will respond to dynamic weather and ocean conditions, the company stated.