A research and development project to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of achieving zero emission operations in offshore survey and research vessels (OSRVs) has been awarded funding under the UK government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2.
More specifically, Project Zero is a collaboration between O.S. Energy, Newcastle Marine Services, the University of Strathclyde, Ecomar Propulsion, the University of Exeter, Cedar Marine, Chartwell Marine and Solis Marine Engineering.
Starting in January 2023, the eight partners will investigate innovative ship designs and integration with energy efficient hybrid drive train systems to advance overall ship efficiency resulting in significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to zero emission fuels.
Martin Nuernberg, director at O.S. Energy UK, said on the occasion:
The main focus is the feasibility and route to market for the design and supply of a new build zero-emission OSRV within the UK. Providing a crucial step in the transition to zero-emission ships, the vessel’s modular powertrain and support of Offshore Renewable Energy developments will provide strong synergies in support of the UK’s target for the maritime sector through the Clean Maritime Plan and the transition to net zero by 2050
What is more, the project addresses key challenges and barriers of achieving zero-emission propulsion and strengthening the UK maritime industry such as:
- Energy efficiency improvements of ship and integrated systems in light of transition from high energy fossil fuels.
- Significantly reducing GHG emissions of offshore renewable support activities.
- Integration of innovative drive train systems and control strategies for hybrid electric operations.
- Advancing development and justification of new rules and regulations relating to the storage, handling and operation of alternative fuels in the maritime industry.
- Accelerating supply chain developments, skills and education towards building world leading offshore support vessels in the UK.
