SEACOR Marine introduced it would convert 4 of its platform provide vessels (PSV) to battery hybrid energy in a transfer to reinforce effectivity and slash emissions.
The Houston-headquartered marine transportation agency mentioned on Thursday it has ordered containerized vitality storage techniques (ESS) from Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime for set up aboard SEACOR Ohio, SEACOR Alps, SEACOR Andes and SEACOR Atlas.
The 4 278.4-foot-long PSVs are all of Kongsberg Maritime’s UT771 CDL design and had been inbuilt China from 2018 to 2020. Each will likely be geared up for battery hybrid operation with the set up of a containerized Deckhouse ESS and related switchboards and thruster management techniques. The improve may even embody a brand new Kongsberg Maritime Okay-Pos dynamic positioning (DP) system put in to interchange the present DP system on all 4 vessels.
Retrofit work is predicted to start in December 2024 and wrap up by the second quarter of 2025. Once the installs are accomplished, greater than 50% of SEACOR Marine’s PSV fleet will likely be hybrid powered.
John Gellert, SEACOR Marine’s Chief Executive Officer, mentioned, “Our decision to expand our hybrid fleet aligns with SEACOR Marine’s core values of innovation and environmental stewardship and builds upon our record of leadership in adopting green technologies in the maritime sector. SEACOR Marine was one of the first offshore operators to install battery hybrid systems, and this announcement marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our fleet.
“These energy storage systems are an investment in the sustainable future of our fleet and our ability to meet the offshore transportation requirements of our clients worldwide. We are excited to offer our clients additional hybrid PSVs that operate efficiently through reduced fuel consumption and related operating costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
James Poulton, Kongsberg Maritime, Senior Vice President, Aftermarket Sales, mentioned, “We see that by installing battery power, fuel consumption in DP operation mode on these vessels can be reduced by as much as 20%. In addition to batteries, the conversion will also feature a shore connection, enabling connection to power grids when in port, which greatly reduces the amount of engine running hours and emissions from diesel fuels. The key benefit of having battery power instantly available is to maintain the redundancy of the vessels’ power system, with less engines running. This is particularly useful when operating in DP mode, but also has its value in other operational modes.”
Beginning in February 2024 in Ulsteinvik, Norway, Kongsberg Maritime may even improve the SEACOR Yangtze—one other UT771 CDL PSV inbuilt China in 2018—with the Deckhouse ESS.
