Statoil announced that it is focusing on reducing emissions from its activities. With an ambition of being leading in carbon-efficient oil and gas production, the company is awarding seven supply vessels a total contract value of NOK 3.1 billion, under which all vessels will be equipped with hybrid battery operation, and the possibility of shore power connection.
The cooperation with these ships is expected to bring predictability to both the ship owners and Statoil, and to improve operation, safety and energy efficiency.
The seven supply vessels will operate from the supply bases at Mongstad, Dusavik, Florø and Kristiansund. Four of the contracts have a duration of five years, plus five one-year extension options, and three of the contracts have a duration of three years, plus three one-year extension options.
“The bidding process has attracted high attention, and we have received bids for around 50 vessels from many competent and highly qualified ship owners. We require the crew on all vessels to speak one of the Scandinavian languages,” says Philippe F. Mathieu, senior vice president for joint operations support in Statoil.
Frida Eklöf Monstad, head of Statoil’s marine unit in the company’s logistics activities, informed that since 2011, the company has reduced CO2 emissions on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) by close to 30%.
“Vessels that can demonstrate low fuel consumption have therefore been successful in this award. Based on our experience battery operation has a good impact on consumption and emissions, and we are pleased that all vessels awarded long-term contracts with us today will be equipped for battery power and shore power,” stated Ms Monstad.
None of the vessels awarded contracts currently have a system for battery-operation or shore power. This equipment will however be installed, and the NOx fund is a key support player and contributor to the ship owners in their effort of installing batteries. The vessels will have «Battery Power Notation», which allow them to achieve great savings in fuel consumption while working in dynamic positioning alongside the installations.
