ABB's Azipod Selected for Largest Hospital Ship

ABB, a global leader in power and automation technology, will deliver electrical propulsion and power systems to a new flagship hospital vessel for the Mercy Ships organization. The vessel, Atlantic Mercy (working title) will be built by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) at the Tianjin Xingang Shipyard and scheduled for delivery in 2017. The Atlantic Mercy project construction will be managed by Stena RoRo.

To be certified as a passenger vessel, the Atlantic Mercy will be fitted with a pair of ABB’s Azipod C propulsion units, the most advanced propulsion system in modern passenger ships. ABB’s scope of delivery includes an energy-saving Azipod C electrical propulsion system, which provides a high level of maneuverability, reliability and passenger comfort due to minimal vibration, and the main electrical power plant.

When completed, the Atlantic Mercy will be the world’s largest civilian hospital vessel. The 37,000 gt vessel will feature full hospital, accommodation and training facilities and once in service, she will expand the Mercy Ship organization’s activity on the African continent. There will be two hospital decks onboard, and six surgery rooms that can be used for both medical care and educational training. The ship will have beds for 109 acute-care patients, 45 self-care patients, and over 487 crew members and medical staff in 277 cabins. While in port, the ship’s capacity increases to 950 people.

“We have done many challenging new buildings over the years but this is truly a fantastic project to work with. To know that the work we do on behalf of Mercy Ships can contribute to the wellbeing of so many make ourselves and selected partners such as ABB very proud to be involved,” says Staffan Stenfelt, New building manager at Stena RoRo.

The power production system on board the Atlantic Mercy is designed to ensure power supply for the hospital functions in any possible fault situation. In addition, the ABB power and propulsion plant will be supported by a remote diagnostics system and around-the-clock telephone assistance to ensure uninterrupted operations.

“ABB’s marine solutions supported with a global service network have already established a strong position across several high-end vessel segments that require outstanding reliability, flexibility and energy efficiency. This hospital vessel project continues the successful collaboration between ABB and Stena on state-of-the-art ships,” says Heikki Soljama, Managing Director for ABB’s marine and ports business.

“Our hospital ships operate in environments where reliable power is not always available. Even if shore power was available, we could not count on it to provide a safe and clean source of power to operate our hospitals. Our ships have to be pretty self-sufficient and able to provide, not only for the hospital, but also for the 400 plus crew, staff and family members who serve onboard. A reliable power source and distribution system are critical for this to happen. Using Azipod propulsion also enables us to dock in tight spots and not be dependent on tug support for arrival or even unexpected departures,” says Jim Paterson, Senior Vice President Marine Operations for Mercy Ships.