ABB and Navantia Bring Electrification Deeper Into Coastal Naval Vessels
ABB has secured a contract with Navantia to supply complete DC-based power distribution and propulsion systems for two forthcoming Spanish Navy coastal hydrographic vessels, due for delivery by 2028.
Naval electrification is becoming a more visible part of the maritime energy transition. The latest example comes from Spain, where ABB will supply two new Spanish Navy coastal hydrographic vessels with a complete DC-based power distribution and propulsion system under a contract with Navantia.
The vessels are being built to support hydrographic work in Spain's coastal waters. Their role is not commercial shipping, but it is still highly relevant to the port energy conversation. Hydrographic vessels operate close to shore, support maritime safety and environmental monitoring, and return regularly to naval and port infrastructure. As these vessels become more electrically integrated, the shore-side power environment that supports them becomes more important.
ABB says its solution will optimise energy efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility. The vessels are scheduled for delivery by 2028 and will contribute to mapping and studying Spain's coastal waters, as well as supporting national defence, environmental monitoring and maritime safety.
The wider significance lies in the electrical architecture. DC-based onboard systems are designed to manage power more flexibly across propulsion, hotel loads, sensors, mission systems and future energy sources. ABB's Onboard DC Grid platform is built to integrate sources such as variable-speed gensets, shaft generators, batteries and fuel cells, while supporting efficient distribution of power to vessel loads.
That flexibility matters for naval and government vessels. Coast guards, navies and hydrographic authorities often operate vessels with complex mission profiles, including low-speed survey work, dynamic manoeuvring, coastal transits and periods of intensive onboard equipment use. Efficient electrical distribution can help manage those variable loads more intelligently.
For the OPS discussion, the article's relevance is indirect but important. As coastal naval and public-service fleets adopt more electric and hybrid-ready onboard architectures, naval bases and ports will need to think more seriously about electrical capacity, shore connections, clean power sourcing and resilience. OPS has so far been discussed most often in relation to cruise, ferries and commercial cargo vessels. Coastal naval vessels could become another segment in the broader port-power ecosystem.
Spain also offers continuity. ABB previously secured a breakthrough contract with Navantia to retrofit the Spanish Navy flagship Juan Carlos I with Azipod electric propulsion, showing that naval electrification is not limited to newbuild programmes. The hydrographic vessel contract adds another layer: smaller, mission-focused coastal vessels are also moving toward more advanced electric power systems.
The port energy transition will not stop at commercial shipping. Naval, coast guard, survey and public-service vessels all use ports, naval stations and waterfront infrastructure. Their electrification will add new operational requirements and new opportunities for ports that are already investing in shore power, grid readiness and clean energy systems.
ABB will supply DC-based power distribution and propulsion systems for two new Spanish Navy coastal hydrographic vessels being built by Navantia.
The contract shows how electrification is moving into coastal naval and public-service vessels, expanding the long-term relevance of port power readiness beyond commercial shipping.
