With a graphical user interface (GUI), and patented multifunctional levers, AX Bridge improves the operators' understanding of the vessel’s propulsion system, situational awareness and innovative technologies, by providing the crew with a user experience that compliments the operator’s intuition and experience, thereby improving safety and efficiency. AX Bridge combines Remote Control System (RCS) and ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Control with dynamic positioning (DP) to function as one seamless system for better vessel control. Such autonomous-ready vessel features are crucial for modern shipping integrated bridge systems and autonomous shipping continue to  evolve.

The Crew is at the Heart of the Voyage

As experts in system integration, electrification, automation and digitization, ABB cooperates with industry experts to incorporate advances in autonomous and automatic technologies for maximum customer value: Ship operators benefit from predictable and safe services. Still, the complexity of such technologies poses challenges. If safety critical tasks are automated, the crew is not required to understand what each sub-system does, yet must understand enough to ensure safety, compliance, and troubleshooting. Designed with the user experience and an understanding of human-machine collaboration in mind, ABB’s AX Bridge resolves such challenges by allowing the operator to focus on what is relevant at the moment /01.

Integrated with Marine Pilot Control

ABB’s Marine Pilot Control  is an integral part of the modular and upgradable AX Bridge. This ship control system unifies DP control, maneuvering and transit functionalities into one intuitive interface controlled from one operator position with one joystick /02. Contrasting conventional thruster models for low-speed operation only, Marine Pilot Control leverages advanced hydrodynamic models adjusted in real-time using parameter effects, eg, hull interactions, to enable all-speed control and predictability. Thus, interlinked with Azipod® podded propulsion and auxiliary thrusters, AX Bridge with Marine Pilot Control allows complete optimal vessel control at all stages, improving vessel safety and operational decision-making with one synergetic system.

Combining the modern AX Bridge GUI /01, with patented multi-functional AX levers /03 that provide sensory feedback, eg, visual and tactile feedback, improves situational awareness and control. Receiving force feedback from Azipod®, the GUI and levers react if pods are put in inefficient or unfavorable angles, encouraging safer and more efficient operations by taking advantage of human machine collaboration and advanced control systems.

Linking control systems with one UI fosters mode (transit, maneuvering and DP) adaptability and improved situational awareness of the power plant and propulsion. The displayed information and lever functions adapt automatically and information is filtered so that relevant information is readily available to operators, reducing cognitive load.

AX Innovations

Contrasting other systems on the market, the AX Bridge back-up system is integrated with the same UI as the normal system; the operator uses the same familiar devices in back-up mode - a boost for safety.

Accommodating different bridge designs, AX Bridge’s innovations include Braking Assistance and  Speed Assistance /03. Braking Assistance performs an automatic pod-way emergency stop while letting the operator steer the vessel. Designed for day-to-day operations, Speed Assistance controls a vessel’s speed while maintaining maneuverability, important for entering narrow harbors.

Tailored Support for Different Customer Needs

Recognizing that customers are as varied as their needs, ABB delivers tailored autonomous-ready and automatic solutions. A short-route operator for a ferry might benefit from conditional autonomy where shore-based personnel remotely control vessels during mooring, while open-sea cruise ship operators might benefit from enhanced situational awareness and advanced manual control by allowing operators to utilize the full capabilities of Azipod® propulsion, eg, Icon Class of Cruise ships such as ICON of the Seas.

But, what about vessels that require advanced position-keeping and redundancy in technical design. In 2025, ABB successfully delivered the newest generation of the AX Bridge platform with Marine Pilot Control that controls four Azipod® propulsion units, one retractable azimuth thruster and four tunnel thrusters, with DP2 class function for the Norse Wind, an offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) operated by DEME Group /04. Currently available, the newest AX Bridge, with an improved modern UI, enables a clear situational overview of the vessel and DP for a better operational experience. Reliance on more and better support data translates to enhanced vessel responsiveness, efficiency and safety.

By enabling electric propulsion vessels optimal control at all-speeds and for all modes of operation from one operator position, AX Bridge fosters safety and efficiency throughout each voyage. And, as a current-and future-ready technology, AX Bridge aligns with ABB’s drive to innovate by creating autonomous-ready solutions that modern shipping requires while providing the crew with an intuitive operational experience and expanded capabilities for maximal performance.