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The Spanish Navy’s new “Poseidon” submarine intervention maritime action ship will be powered by a “first-of-its-kind” high-performance DC power and distribution system, according to Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation ABB.
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The BAM-IS ship, optimised for submarine rescue and support operations, is currently under construction at Navantia shipyards in Puerto Real and San Fernando, and has an expected delivery date scheduled in 2026.
The 60-crew, 91-metre-long specialised diving operations support ship features a 400-square metre working deck, NATO Submarine Rescue System, flight deck, storage for three rigid-hulled inflatable boats, MOSHIP certification, and capability to remotely operate underwater vehicles. It is expected to have a range of 2,400 nautical miles and maximum speed of 15 knots.
ABB has been selected to supply the complete DC-based power and distribution system for the new BAM-IS vessel including installation of an onboard DC grid, power and energy management system, transformers, alternators and battery system to cover peak power demands during rescue missions.
“The extremely demanding nature of submarine rescue missions calls for the highest standards in safety, fault tolerance and systems integrity from the onboard power and distribution system,” according ABB marine and ports coast guard and navy business line manager Sindre Satre.
“This order is the latest testament to the operational, service, financial and risk mitigation benefits that come with choosing a commercial, off-the-shelf solution like Onboard DC Grid from a reliable technology partner such as ABB.
“We are proud to have been selected for this project and to continue our collaboration with Navantia and the Spanish Navy.”
The ship will be responsible for executing and supporting submarine missions, including diving operations, intervention and rescue in accidents and shipwrecks, underwater surveillance, and protection of cultural heritage.
Earlier this month, Navantia put forward its series of warship designs for the Royal Australian Navy’s future surface fleet.
It unveiled a new Tier 2 multi-role combatant capability Tasman Class corvette at the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney in early November.
The 3,000-tonne design, based on five Alpha 3000 ships already being put into service with Saudi Arabia, features a crew of 90 with total capacity for 124 personnel, 16 VLS, four quad anti-ship missile launchers, close in weapons systems, and a 57mm main gun.
Navantia also offered a heavier 3,700-tonne design, as well as a self-described “big brother” to the current Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class destroyer, the Flight III destroyer.
The Tier 1 Flight III design has options for directed energy weapons, 128 VLS, a five-inch millennium main gun.
A Navantia spokesperson said all three designs are mature and very detailed and have received enormous interest throughout their exhibition in Sydney across the Indo Pacific conference.
