ABB turbochargers support optimal performance and fuel efficiency for one of the world’s largest container ships, COSCO Shipping Universe

The 21,000+ TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) COSCO Shipping Universe has broken the record for China’s largest container ship and is equipped with ABB turbochargers to assure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

ABB Turbocharging is a key strategic partner for COSCO SHIPPING Lines Co., Ltd (COSCO SHIPPING Lines), with ABB turbochargers selected for all main and auxiliary engines across six 21,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) container ships being delivered for the Universe series by 2019. Hundreds of ABB turbochargers are in operation across the extensive COSCO SHIPPING Lines fleet.

The first flagship mega container ship in the Universe series, COSCO Shipping Universe, was delivered in June 2018 by Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co. Ltd. The vessel is equipped with three ABB A180-L two-stroke turbochargers to match the diesel main engine and four ABB TPL67-C33 4-stroke turbochargers to match four auxiliary engines.

Oliver Riemenschneider, Managing Director, ABB Turbocharging, said it was an honor to support COSCO SHIPPING Lines, which is the largest container shipping operator in Asia and fourth largest globally, with the fleet.

“We are proud to support COSCO SHIPPING Lines, with premium ABB turbochargers selected for all of the main and auxiliary engines across the six mega container ships in the Universe series, including the record-breaking COSCO Shipping Universe recently delivered,” he said.

“The ABB turbochargers on COSCO Shipping Universe will support maximum performance and fuel efficiency, in addition to contributing to COSCO SHIPPING Lines pursuing green shipping practices for long-term success. We foresee the ABB turbochargers on the forthcoming mega container ships in the Universe series will contribute similar viable operational gains.”

Key benefits for ABB’s A100 series include compliance with IMO Tier II and Tier III emission limits; reduced fuel consumption; high operational flexibility, reliability and availability; long intervals between inspections, routine maintenance and overhauls; absolute operational safety with rigorous testing and reduced engine room noise.

The TPL-C series, respectively, is designed to meet growing market demand for greater power, efficiency and long operational life. In addition to its outstanding fuel savings and low emissions capabilities, the TPL-C series boasts a modular design with minimized spare parts for easy installation and service.

As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with an integrated, international logistics network, ABB Turbocharging provides vital servicing support for all ABB turbochargers in use across the COSCO SHIPPING Lines fleet. Access to 24/7 servicing, 365 days a year, and guaranteed 98 percent spare parts availability support maximum uptime. Customers such as COSCO SHIPPING Lines have confidence in the quality of ABB Turbocharging’s servicing, as well as the availability of reliable, customized care whenever and wherever required for ultimate performance and lowest total ongoing operating costs.

At a capacity of 21,237 TEU, COSCO Shipping Universe has eclipsed the record for China’s largest container ship set only weeks prior by a different COSCO SHIPPING Lines vessel, the COSCO Shipping Virgo. The pioneering vessel has an overall length of 399.9 meters and an overall height equivalent to a 24-storey building (72 meters), with a deadweight of 198,000 tons and a travelling speed of 22 knots. As the core flagship in the fleet of COSCO SHIPPING Lines, COSCO Shipping Universe is planned to serve in the route from the Far East to Northwest Europe, becoming the new messenger and business card of “the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”.