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ABS to class first hybrid OSV in Gulf of Mexico

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More progress is being made in vessels using hybrid power with ABS announcing that it will class the first offshore support vessel (OSV) in the Gulf of Mexico to operate using hybrid power.

ABS said in a press release that SEACOR Marine had requested the BATTERY-Li notation for its Maya OSV currently operated by Mantenimiento Express Maritimo SAPI de CV (MEXMAR), the company’s joint venture in Mexico. The OSV is being upgraded to use lithium battery power, with modifications expected to be completed in May.

“ABS recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of hybrid powered vessels to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in the marine and offshore industries,” said ABS director for OSVs Wei Huang. “This milestone reinforces our safety mission and promotes development of alternative power applications and energy storage systems that optimize efficiencies.”

“The hybrid power solution on the SEACOR Maya has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption—by as much as 20%,” said SEACOR engineering manager Tim Clerc. “Integrating new technologies is complex. To help SEACOR realize the benefit of using cutting-edge hybrid power, we partnered with ABS, to class the lithium battery system, to help validate its reliability. The operational savings gained from a hybrid power solution will also reduce emissions and facilitate our compliance to strict environmental regulations.”

SEACOR has engaged ABS to provide the optional BATTERY-Li notation, on three additional OSVs operated by MEXMAR, planned to be upgraded to a similar battery system. The conversion to hybrid power for SEACOR Azteca, SEACOR Warrior and SEACOR Viking is expected to be completed in July this year.

ABS is an industry leader in developing guidance that advances safer integration of hybrid power systems into marine and offshore assets, having issued various guides and advisories including on the use of Lithium batteries and supercapacitors in marine applications and offshore applications.