
Ocean Art, one of two Atlantic Offshore vessels to be upgraded with a Wärtsilä hybrid package. Copyright: Atlantic Offshore
Norwegian offshore service vessel operator Atlantic Offshore has contracted Wärtsilä to engineer, supply, and install complete battery hybrid packages in two of its supply vessels.
The upgrade project will be carried out at the Fitjar shipyard in Norway.
The 746 kWh battery hybrid systems will be installed on the Ocean Star and Ocean Art. Delivered in 2014, both ships were designed by Wärtsilä, and are fitted with Wärtsilä engines and Wärtsilä Low Loss Concept (LLC) electrical systems. The LLC reduces electrical losses and delivers higher individual engine loads to provide better fuel efficiency. By selecting Wärtsilä for the hybrid battery upgrading, the integration with the existing control systems will be seamless.
“Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine approach, with its focus on greater efficiencies and better environmental performance, is an important background to this upgrading project for these two vessels. In addition to saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the hybrid package will make the vessels more attractive to potential charterers,” says Atlantic Offshore CEO Roy “Atlantic Offshore is committed to promoting sustainability throughout our operations and having the Ocean Star and Ocean Art converted to hybrid propulsion is fully in line with this commitment. We thank Wärtsilä for its excellent support and capabilities in bringing this project to reality.”
Wärtsilä will also carry out testing and sea trials of the systems following installation. Completion of the project for both ships is expected in early 2020.