Schiffstechnik | Ship Technology »The control is which brings the savings« ABB sees big potential for automation technology in a huge variety of shipping segments. Janne Häkkinen, Global Sales Manager for Digital Solutions, talks to HANSA about prospects and the relevance of inter-connectivity of systems on board as well as the potential role of B&R, which is planned to be taken over What is ABB’s USP in the competition for automation technology? Häkkinen: Competition is very harsh in this sector, and this has meant we have had to differentiate ourselves. Over the last five years, we have put a lot of effort into automation and other digital solutions, and our focus has been on developing a wide portfolio that takes in a variety of interfaces and technologies for different types of vessels and applications. We have looked beyond standard machinery automation. ABB’s greater involvement in air conditioning control has been exemplary, while we have also needed to develop automation solutions to take account of the fact that more vessels are running on LNG. Is your automation business affected by the acquisition of Austrian company B&R? Häkkinen: The acquisition was announced on April 4 this year. B&R will close a historic gap within ABB’s automation offering, making ABB the only industrial automation provider offering customers the entire spectrum of technology and software solutions around measurement, control, actuation, robotics, electrification, and digitalization. As well in the maritime business? Häkkinen: B&R will become part of ABB’s Industrial Automation division as a new global business unit – Machine & Factory Automation. B&R is particularly strong in machine and factory automation. As we combine the best of both worlds we will see in the integration phase where we can learn from each other. Janne Häkkinen, expert for Digital Solutions at ABB Photo: ABB Which vessel segments are the most important ones for ABB’s automation business? Häkkinen: Automation is central to systems across a wide range of new ships, ranging from compact vessels such as »Vision of the Fjords« to very big vessels. There are also very special vessels, like the cable layer »NKT Victoria«, where our installed automation is so extensive that I don’t see what could be missing. Basically, we have the technology for any vessel type, but it is worth emphasising that automation is not about standalone solutions; it is about interconnectivity, propulsion control, remote control and remote monitoring for maintenance planning. These are the parts of the business where automation is becoming increasingly important. What do you expect to happen in the next year(s)? Häkkinen: Over recent years, we have seen the introduction of a number of different automated systems on board. Looking back 15 years, diesel engines did not have much automation, but now there are a significant number of control systems installed. In the period ahead the connectivity and how they interact will need to improve. Then we are getting closer from automated to autonomous … Häkkinen: Yes, of course. Looking at developments shoreside, we can see that the internet of things is everywhere and any device is or can be interconnected. Over time, the same thing will happen on board. What are the biggest challenges in the automation development? Häkkinen: Again, the biggest challenges in the immediate term lie in interconnection. There has been a lack of standardisation for a long time; we expect there will be more than one standard in the future, which will make things tricky. How will we serve the different interfaces? In addition, it’s clear that more and more power sources are being exploited: batteries and fuel cells will be more widely deployed on ships. Batteries need connection and control, because it is the control which brings the savings. Again, it’s fair to say that the last diesel engine will be built one day, and if we want to talk about truly »intelligent« vessels, they will be electric. Interview: Michael Meyer 76 HANSA International Maritime Journal – 154. Jahrgang – 2017 – Nr. 7
Schiffstechnik | Ship Technology KVM FROM G&D. YOUR BRIDGE TO COMPLETE CONTROL. Source: ABB Source: ABB »B&R will close a historic gap« ABB’s planned acquisition of Austrian company B&R In April, ABB announced the acquisition of B&R (Bernecker+Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH), a provider focused on product- and software-based open-architecture solutions for machine and factory automation worldwide. It operates across 70 countries, generating sales of more than 600 mill. $ (2015/16) in the 20 bn $ machine and factory automation market segment. The combination is epxected to »result in an unmatched, comprehensive offering for customers of industrial automation, by pairing B&R›s innovative products, software and solutions for modern machine and factory automation with ABB’s offering in robotics, process automation, digitalization and electrification.« »B&R is a gem in the world of machine and factory automation and this combination is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. This transaction marks a true milestone for ABB, as B&R will close the historic gap within ABB’s automation offering. This is a perfect fit and will make us the only industrial automation provider offering customers the entire spectrum of technology and software solutions around measurement, control, actuation, robotics, digitalization and electrification,« ABB-CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer was quoted. With the acquisition, ABB intends to expand its industrial automation offering by integrating B&R’s innovative products in PLC, Industrial PCs and servo motion as well as its software and solution suite. However, B&R is described as a solution provider in the automation of machines and factories for industries such as plastics, packaging, food and beverage. ABB hopes to increase flexibility facilitating connectivity in increasingly digitalized industries. On closing of the transaction, B&R will become part of ABB’s Industrial Automation division as a new global business unit – Machine & Factory Automation – headed by the current Managing Director, Hans Wimmer. Leading the way in digital KVM www.gdsys.de Up on the bridge or down in the engineering room, you don’t need your computers beside you to have complete control over your IT systems. With G&D’s KVM technology, you can remove computers from control rooms into one safe location. As a result, you’ll create more space with less noise and less heat and enjoy a better working environment. For complete flexibility, users can access the systems wherever they are on board – all they need are the necessary peripherals e.g. a mouse and a keyboard and one or more display screens. In addition, KVM systems from G&D deliver more safety. Our systems not only provide missioncritical features that monitor our KVM equipment but they can also measure several parameters of the systems they’re connected to. On ships, in special applications control, in vessel traffic service (VTS), on offshore platforms… for complete control with flexibility the answer is KVM – from G&D. HANSA International Maritime Journal – 154. Jahrgang – 2017 – Nr. 7 77
