ABS and Constellation Sign MOU to Study Electric Energy Storage for Offshore Drilling Units
(RIO DE JANEIRO) ABS and Constellation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at ROG.e 2026 to study how battery energy storage could improve efficiency and resilience of power systems on board a Constellation drillship.
The companies will examine the feasibility of running the vessel’s generators as a single, connected power system rather than in isolated groups. Known as closed-bus operations, this approach could reduce the number of engines needed to run at a given time. Combined with energy storage systems, it could help optimize generator use, reduce emissions and strengthen power-plant resilience during offshore drilling operations.
“Offshore drilling units have complex power demands, and the safe integration of energy storage requires a detailed understanding of the vessel, its operating profile and its power system. ABS is proud to support Constellation as it evaluates practical energy storage technologies for its fleet,” said Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Markets.
Separately at the conference, ABS presented Constellation with an approval in principle (AIP) for its design of a fuel processor for the Laguna Star drillship. The system is designed to emulsify water with fuel inline, ahead of the engine, with the goal of reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
“Constellation sees disruptive technologies as a key tool for accelerating the decarbonization of its operations. ABS's recognition reinforces the technical robustness of these initiatives and their contribution to the commitments established in our ESG 2030 Plan,” said Leonardo Guimarães, Constellation Chief Technology Officer.
From electrification to new approaches for fuel and energy efficiency, offshore drilling contractors are looking for practical ways to reduce emissions without compromising uptime. ABS continues to work with offshore energy operators across this range of technologies, supporting projects from early feasibility studies through class approval. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the offshore industry here.
Photo caption 1 (L to R): Thiago Schimmelpfennig, Constellation Chief Commercial and Innovation Officer; Leonardo Guimarães, Constellation Chief Technology Officer; Rodrigo Riberio, Constellation CEO; Gabrielle Caldas, ABS South America Offshore Account Manager; Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Markets; Leile Froufe, ABS Vice President, Engineering (Americas); and Rafael Torres, ABS Vice President, Latin America Business Development
Photo caption 2 (L to R): Gabrielle Caldas, ABS South America Offshore Account Manager; Leile Froufe, ABS Vice President, Engineering (Americas); Leonardo Guimarães, Constellation Chief Technology Officer; and Francielly Boher, Constellation Analyst, New Technologies
