Saft batteries will provide efficient energy storage for cable backup and propulsion assistance, helping to reduce the vessel's fuel consumption by 27% and decrease maintenance compared to traditional AC systems.
ABB High Voltage Cables has commissioned the world's most advanced cable-laying vessel to enhance its subsea cable operations capacity for laying and repairing AC/DC and fiber optic cables anywhere in the world, while achieving greater efficiency and accuracy. The CLV-designed SALT 306 vessel, the largest of its kind in the world, measures approximately 140 x 30 meters. It is being custom-built to ABB's specifications at the Kleven shipyard in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for 2017.
The vessel's diesel-electric propulsion system will be powered by six Caterpillar 3516 high-speed propulsion engines (each with approximately 2 MW of power) acting as generator sets for three 1,900 kW Azipod CZ 980 thrusters. Each thruster, with a thrust exceeding 34 tons, will enable DP3 operations. Power is converted to electricity via ABB Marine's direct current network, allowing variable speed operation to optimize engine performance.  
Saft's 70 kWh battery system is primarily used to assist in moving cables from the dock to the vessel's turntable. These operations will mainly be powered from shore to the cable-laying vessel, as the ship's diesel engines must be shut down to comply with new emissions regulations. However, if this battery supply is interrupted, it can withstand a peak load of up to 800 kW for 10 seconds, which is sufficient to bring the turntables to a safe and controlled stop.
At sea, the battery system can also be used to neutralize peak loads when there is a temporary increase in propulsion power demand, providing enhanced dynamic response and allowing for a rapid boost in propulsion energy.
ABB's cable-laying vessel is the first in the world to be equipped with a new-generation Saft marine battery system featuring Super Phosphate™ (SLFP) liquid-cooled lithium-ion cylindrical cell technology. This approach offers significant advantages over other air-cooled lithium-ion technologies in high-power applications, including: a wider operating temperature range; greater cycling capacity; better temperature control of the battery level; improved abuse tolerance; and greater safety compared to other lithium-ion chemistries.
“This contract for the new cable-laying vessel further strengthens Saft’s relationship with ABB. It is our first order of this type of vessel with ABB Marine, and it will involve the installation of our next-generation, high-power, liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries,” said Jayesh Vir, Key Account Manager for the marine sector. “It is further confirmation that Saft’s fully commercialized marine battery technology is proven and meets the demanding energy storage requirements of ships, even the largest to date.”
The cell system and SLPF battery for the ABB cable-laying vessel will be developed and manufactured at Saft’s facilities in France. Delivery is scheduled for the last quarter of this year.

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