Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has agreed to retrofit the world’s first energy storage solution on board a large offshore supply vessel. The North Sea Giant, one of the world’s largest and most advanced subsea construction vessels, will be fitted with an energy storage system that reduces the vessel’s energy consumption, operating costs and exhaust emissions.
As explained, the retrofit energy storage system improves the operational efficiency and environmental footprint of the vessel, responding to key requirements of the owner, Norwegian North Sea Shipping AS.
Typically, a vessel with dynamic positioning uses two or more engines simultaneously to secure back-up power. This means that the engines’ load run low. By using a hybrid/battery system to provide the needed back-up power, the operational engine can be used closer to its optimal load.
In addition to the hybrid/battery solution, the agreement includes transformers, filters, switchboard, shore connection equipment, upgrades of existing components and commissioning.
“The estimated reduction in emissions is 5.5 million kg CO2, 30 tons of NOx and 1,200 kg SOx per year. After Wärtsilä had retrofitted our ship Atlantic Guardian in 2014, we really understood how much fuel can be saved by improving the vessel’s efficiency. Efficiency also saves time, because you only need to refuel every second or third port visit,” says CEO Hallvard Klepsvik, North Sea Shipping AS.
Installation of an energy storage solution into a class DP3 vessel has never been carried out before and requires a redefinition of applicable classification rules. Therefore Wärtsilä and North Sea Shipping AS are working in close collaboration with the DNV GL.
