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Wärtsilä to retrofit OCV for Norwegian firm

Wärtsilä to retrofit OCV for Norwegian firm
More progress is being made in energy-efficient power solutions and once again Norwegian companies are leading the way, with Wärtsilä agreeing to retrofit the world’s first energy storage solution on board a large offshore construction vessel (OCV).

Owned by Norwegian owner, operator and manager of advanced offshore supply vessels North Sea Shipping, the North Sea Giant is one of the world’s largest and most advanced subsea construction vessels.

She will be retrofitted with an energy storage system that reduces the vessel’s energy consumption, operating costs and exhaust emissions. The system will improve the operational efficiency and environmental footprint of the vessel, providing power redundancy while increasing responsiveness of vessel operations.

Most offshore supply vessels with dynamic positioning systems typically use two or more engines simultaneously to ensure back-up power. This however means that the engines run with low loads.

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 also covers the provision of transformers, filters, switchboard, shore connection equipment, upgrades of existing components and commissioning.

“For us is it important to reduce environmental emissions and modernise the vessel to make it more competitive. In addition, with a more efficient vessel, we will save fuel expenses. The estimated reduction in emissions is 5.5m Kk of CO2, 30 tons of NOx and 1,200 kg of 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,” said North Sea Shipping ceo Hallvard Klepsvik.

There is added complexity due to the North Sea Giant’s DP3 classification, the highest standard for vessels using dynamic positioning systems.

Installation of an energy storage solution into a DP3-classed vessel has never been done before and required a redefinition of applicable classification rules. Wärtsilä and North Sea Shipping are working in close collaboration with DNV-GL on the groundbreaking project.