ABB Partners with Damen Naval to Deliver Cutting-Edge Power Solutions for Advanced ASW Frigates
Damen Naval has selected ABB to provide its Onboard DC Grid™ integrated power and distribution framework for the new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Frigates. The Vlissingen-based shipbuilder is constructing four advanced frigates, two for the Royal Netherlands Navy and two for the Belgian Navy. This marks the second partnership between Damen Naval and ABB; in early 2022, the Norwegian division of the company was commissioned for the F126 Frigate initiative for the German Navy.
“This is a reflection of the fruitful collaboration between our two organizations and the excellence of their systems that we have now also formalized a contract for the ASW project,” states Joop Noordijk, ASWF Project Director at Damen Naval. “ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ delivers the operational effectiveness and sustainability that the Dutch and Belgian navies require from their new frigates.”
The ASW Frigates will supplant the existing Karel Doorman-class Multipurpose frigates and can be utilized for various missions. The focus will be on anti-submarine operations, and they will be crafted to operate as quietly as feasible to evade detection by submarines.
ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ is a robust and adaptable electrical distribution system. For the ASW Frigates, the framework will incorporate energy storage, transformers, motors, and generators, enabling reduced emissions and an extended operational range. The system has been fortified for naval missions in challenging environments and circumstances.
“Securing a second contract with Damen Naval is a clear testament that the shipyard – and the naval sector broadly – has complete faith in the capabilities of Onboard DC Grid™ to support the highly rigorous operations of military vessels,” remarked Sindre Satre, Business Line Manager, ABB Coast Guard & Navy. “ABB is uniquely positioned to assist navies in their endeavors to elevate operational performance and mitigate the environmental footprint of their ships in accordance with IMO standards.”
The inaugural ASW Frigate is anticipated to be delivered by Damen Naval in 2028.
