ABB to Power Allseas' Heavy Transport Vessel Grand Tour for Offshore Wind Industry

International Shipping News — August 12, 2026

ABB has secured a contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) to supply an integrated power and propulsion package for the semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV) Grand Tour. The 230-meter vessel, ordered by global offshore contractor Allseas, will serve as a critical link in the logistics chain supporting Europe's offshore wind energy sector.

Europe has set some of the world's most ambitious offshore wind targets, with the EU aiming for at least 300 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2050. Meeting that trajectory requires not only more turbines but also a expanding fleet of specialized vessels capable of transporting and installing infrastructure at unprecedented scale — a segment where shipyard capacity and qualified engineering providers have become tight.

Scheduled for delivery in 2028, Grand Tour will transport outsized converter stations from fabrication yards across Asia and Europe, transferring them directly to Allseas' construction vessel Pioneering Spirit for installation. Converter stations are essential infrastructure for long-distance offshore power transmission, converting alternating current (AC) generated by wind turbines into direct current (DC) for efficient cable-based transmission to shore. As wind farms move further from shore and grow in capacity, high-voltage DC converter platforms — each weighing thousands of tonnes — have become indispensable, and the logistics of moving them from fabrication sites to offshore installation sites has emerged as a recognized industry bottleneck.

Vessel Design and Operational Requirements

Grand Tour is engineered to carry loads of up to 40,000 metric tons on its stern deck. During operations, the vessel will position itself alongside Pioneering Spirit and submerge its main deck below the waterline, allowing converter stations to be floated directly onboard. This transfer method places stringent demands on power, control, and maneuverability.

Azipod® Propulsion System

ABB's delivery encompasses four 3.5MW nozzled Azipod® propulsion units, designed to meet the vessel's bollard pull and dynamic positioning (DP) requirements. Each unit rotates a full 360 degrees, enabling precise maneuvering into position at Pioneering Spirit's bow. The units are fitted with optimized nozzles to maintain high efficiency during transit.

The gearless Azipod® design reduces mechanical losses, fuel consumption, and emissions compared with conventional mechanical thrusters, while also lowering noise and vibration levels. The elimination of gearing minimizes lubrication oil requirements, reducing maintenance needs and operating costs. Additionally, the system's compact footprint offers design flexibility and streamlines installation.

Integrated Power Solution

The complete ABB package features a medium-voltage AC power plant arranged in a closed ring topology, managed by the PEMS™ power and energy management system together with an enhanced power plant protection system (EPPS). The full-scope powertrain solution includes remote condition monitoring and maintenance capabilities.

Executive Commentary

"Grand Tour demonstrates GSI's capabilities in delivering even the most complex vessels and marks another exciting collaboration with our long-standing and trusted partner, ABB," said Zhou Xuhui, President of Guangzhou Shipyard International.

"It's fantastic to see our power and propulsion technology delivering such strong value in demanding heavy-lift operations," said Rune Braastad, President of ABB's Marine & Ports division. "Projects like this demonstrate how advanced, integrated systems can make operations leaner, cleaner and more efficient, raising performance and safety to a new level, while also opening new market opportunities."

Source: ABB