ABL Advances Electric Ferry Reliability Through Condition Monitoring and FMECA Analysis for Damen Shipyards

ABL Advances Electric Ferry Reliability Through Condition Monitoring and FMECA Analysis for Damen Shipyards

(IN BRIEF) ABL has successfully delivered a reliability and condition-monitoring program for Damen Shipyards’ next-generation electric ferries, helping to improve operational resilience and support the transition to zero-emission maritime transport. Using advanced FMECA analysis and condition-based maintenance principles, ABL developed a structured approach to identify and manage potential system failures across propulsion, power and control systems. Validation testing carried out offshore Constanța confirmed system performance and compliance with Bureau Veritas AUT-CCS standards. The program supports the long-term reliability of electric ferry operations and demonstrates how early-stage reliability engineering can enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability in electrified vessel designs.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 26-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ABL, the global energy and marine consultancy, has completed a comprehensive reliability and condition-monitoring program for Damen Shipyards’ new generation of electric ferry designs, supporting the development of dependable and efficient zero-emission maritime transport solutions.

The program focused on establishing a proactive maintenance approach based on condition monitoring, enabling early detection of potential technical issues and helping to maintain high levels of vessel availability. The work forms part of a broader effort to enhance the operational reliability of electric ferries while supporting the maritime sector’s transition toward more sustainable propulsion technologies.

ABL’s Mission Critical Systems specialists applied advanced Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) techniques to evaluate and prioritise potential risks across propulsion, electrical power and control systems. The analysis supported the development of a condition-based maintenance strategy targeting components essential to continuous vessel operation.

The project also included a validation phase carried out offshore Constanța, Romania, where system performance and failure-response behaviour were assessed under real operating conditions. The testing confirmed compliance with Bureau Veritas AUT-CCS notation requirements and demonstrated the effectiveness of the reliability framework developed for the vessels.

The reliability engineering program is designed to help ensure that next-generation electric ferries can meet demanding operational requirements while maintaining long-term resilience. The approach supports improved safety, efficiency and environmental performance by integrating reliability considerations from the earliest stages of vessel design.

ABL’s work reflects a broader objective of enabling zero-emission vessels to operate with consistent performance and minimal disruption, supporting the future expansion of electrified ferry services.

Alessio Lombardi, Global Director for Mission Critical Systems at ABL, noted that structured reliability engineering and condition-based maintenance play an important role in advancing sustainable maritime operations. He emphasized that integrating these principles during the design and verification stages is essential to ensuring the success and long-term viability of electric vessel technologies.

For further information, please contact:

Endre Johansen, Corporate Communications AS
Telephone: +47 41 61 06 05
Email: endre.johansen@corpcom.no

About ABL Group ASA

ABL Group (OSE: ABL Group ASA – ticker code “ABL”) is a leading independent global consultancy delivering energy, marine, engineering and digital solutions to drive safety and sustainability in renewables, maritime and oil & gas sectors. The group has offices in 39 countries worldwide and operates under four brands: ABL, OWC, Longitude and AGR.

SOURCE: ABL Group