Denmark-based offshore wind developer Ørsted and offshore vessel proprietor ESVAGT have signed a second contract for a methanol-powered vessel.
Ørsted and ESVAGT have signed an settlement for a sister vessel to the world’s first methanol-powered service operation vessel (SOV), which was introduced in 2022.
The SOV will probably be prepared for launch in 2026, working out of Ørsted’s UK East Coast Hub on a 10-year contract.
The new SOV will probably be powered by dual-fuel engines, able to crusing on renewable e-methanol produced from renewable vitality and biogenic carbon, which is able to result in a yearly carbon emissions discount of approx. 4,500 tonnes, Ørsted mentioned.
Ørsted in May took Europe’s largest remaining funding resolution on a renewable e-methanol facility, FlagshipONE in Sweden, and Ørsted expects to produce its personal methanol for each of the SOVs.
“Several other maritime companies have placed orders on methanol-powered vessels, demonstrating that the demand for green fuels is materialising rapidly,” Ørsted mentioned.
“An offshore wind farm already has 99 % lower emissions than a coal-fired power station seen over the entire lifetime of the asset, including production, construction, and installation. Ørsted targets to become carbon-neutral in its energy generation and own operations by 2025, and the additional, second green fuel SOV will build on that, as Ørsted works towards its science-based target of reaching net-zero emissions across the full value chain by 2040,” the offshore wind farm developer mentioned.
The SOVs will function the floating dwelling of offshore wind service technicians, who will spend time offshore for weeks at a time.
During their keep offshore, the technicians reside on a service operation vessel (SOV), which additionally hosts an on-board workshop and far of the gear and spare components wanted to service an offshore wind farm.
According to the businesses, the Esvagt SOV is designed for consolation and excessive workability, offering a extremely environment friendly workspace and secure switch of technicians on the wind farm by way of a motion-compensated gangway and switch boats in addition to a crane for lifting heavy spare components.
“As a floating home, [the SOV] also offers recreational activities for the on-board crew and technicians, including fitness facilities, a game room, a cinema, and individual accommodation. The SOV is also equipped with a helipad for fast access and transfers to and from shore,” Ørsted mentioned.
The SOV will probably be 93.00 meters lengthy, with a breadth of 19.60 meters, most draught of 6.50 meters, velocity: of roughly 14 knots, and lodging for 124 individuals.
