ABB and OCEANCO Partner to Power Next-Generation Sustainable Superyachts
ABB has signed a contract with Netherlands-based yacht builder OCEANCO to supply an integrated electric power and propulsion system for two new superyachts currently under construction, scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032.
The agreement represents another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two companies in developing advanced and sustainable marine technologies for luxury vessels.
Growing Demand for Sustainable Luxury at Sea
As demand rises for yachts that combine luxury, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, owners are increasingly opting for electric propulsion systems.
Electric propulsion reduces noise and vibration, enhances maneuverability, and helps lower emissions, while enabling the use of hybrid systems and alternative energy sources.
Integrated Power and Propulsion Solution
ABB will deliver a comprehensive solution integrating Azipod® electric propulsion, Onboard DC Grid™, the PEMS™ power and energy management system, and battery energy storage.
This system optimizes energy flow across the vessel depending on operating conditions, ensuring maximum performance and energy efficiency.
The Onboard DC Grid™ platform will provide efficient power distribution while preparing the vessels for alternative fuels and hybrid configurations. It will also support energy storage functions such as peak shaving and load optimization, helping reduce generator running hours, fuel consumption, and emissions.
High-Performance Azipod® Propulsion
Each yacht will be equipped with dual 4.2-megawatt Azipod® propulsors, designed with Ice Class 1C capability to ensure smooth and stable operations even in light ice conditions.
The gearless Azipod® system houses the electric motor inside the propulsion pod, eliminating mechanical transmission losses. This design enables quieter operations, smoother maneuverability, and improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional shaft-line propulsion systems.
Delivering Efficiency, Comfort and Sustainability
According to Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of OCEANCO, the project reflects the shipbuilder’s commitment to combining efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in its yacht designs.
He noted that DC-based power plant integration and electric propulsion technologies play a critical role in achieving these objectives, adding that ABB’s expertise and collaborative approach make it a valuable partner for delivering the sophisticated vessels.
Digital Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
The system package will also include the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System for Marine (RDS), which provides real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and proactive troubleshooting.
Through RDS and ABB’s global support network, vessel operators will benefit from improved availability, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational safety.
Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership
Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said the project further strengthens the company’s partnership with OCEANCO while supporting the yacht industry’s shift toward cleaner and more efficient operations.
He added that the two upcoming vessels highlight how luxury and environmental responsibility can work together in modern yacht design.
ABB and OCEANCO have previously collaborated on multiple projects, including the supply of 2.5-MW Azipod® propulsion units for a recently delivered superyacht. In 2025, the companies also jointly tested the ABB Dynafin™ cycloidal propulsion concept at the Marine Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN), demonstrating promising efficiency and sustainability benefits for future superyachts.
