ABB retrofit keeps Helsinki Ferry on course for the future

The passenger ferry M/S Suomenlinna II has become the first vessel to be retrofitted with ABB’s next-generation ACS880LC drive, securing efficient and reliable operations for years to come. Operating year-round between Helsinki’s Market Square and the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress, the 33.8m vessel is an essential part of the Finnish capital’s public transport system.

Originally delivered in 2004, the 329gt ferry was fitted with an ACS600 drive system that had become outdated. Rather than undertaking a complete system replacement, ABB proposed a sustainable alternative by repurposing the vessel’s existing cabinets, busbars, and cables. The retrofit involved only replacing components as needed, minimising the vessel’s downtime.

ABB’s module-based retrofit solution provided circularity and flexibility, while also enabling smooth integration into the ferry’s daily operations. In addition to supplying the new drive, ABB will provide full lifecycle service support.

“ABB’s ability to provide a module-based retrofit as opposed to a full system replacement was a key factor for us in selecting a partner for this modernisation project,” said Petri Öhrmark, MD, Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy. “Thanks to this upgrade, it can continue providing reliable, high-efficiency services to residents, as well as tourists visiting the heritage site, for years to come.”

“We were proud to be chosen as partner to modernise the propulsion drives and propulsion control system for M/S Suomenlinna II,” said Ilmari Ackley, head of Sales, Marine Service & Digital, Finland, ABB Marine & Ports. “We were happy to see the project delivered smoothly and as planned, which is particularly critical for a ferry that hundreds of passengers rely on every day. The module-based retrofit, replacing components only as necessary, shows one way our customers can improve the circularity of their operations – while ensuring a smooth and efficient upgrade to the latest technology."