Sponsored By

Bibby Marine offshore vessel to have largest ever marine batteryBibby Marine offshore vessel to have largest ever marine battery

UK-based Bibby Marine has ordered a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) in Spain capable of operating entirely on electricity for a full day.

Paul Bartlett, Correspondent

February 5, 2025

2 Min Read
Battery powered CSOV for Bibby Marine
Credit: Bibby Marine

The hybrid vessel will operate primarily on a 25MWh Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System developed by Norway’s Corvus Energy. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) system will be the largest battery installation ever deployed in a maritime project and will enable the vessel to operate solely on electricity for a 24-hour period.

The CSOV, which is to be built in the Spanish Armon shipyard, will have engines running solely for charging at a constant optimised load to maximise efficiency, extend battery life, and reduce emissions. A DC grid setup will minimise energy losses and ensure a smooth distribution of power across the vessel’s energy consumers. Offshore charging systems will enable simultaneous battery charging and dynamic positioning operation in what is claimed to be an industry first in the SOV sector. 

Corvus Energy VP Sales, Pål Ove Husoy, commented: “A fully electric offshore vessel is something the industry has been working towards for a long time and marks a major milestone in offshore vessel operations. This eCSOV will be the first offshore vessel that can operate fully electric for a full day and will set a new standard for future offshore vessels. The unique system design incorporating both battery power and dual-fuel methanol engines will significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency while providing the reliability and performance needed for demanding offshore wind and renewable operations.”

Related:Svitzer orders world’s first battery-methanol powered tug

Bibby Marine’s New Build Director, Gavin Forward, said that the company had selected Corvus Energy for its proven track record in delivering complex vessel projects which its LFP battery chemistry aligned with the likely operational profile of the vessel.

“We are excited to collaborate with Corvus on this pioneering eCSOV project, setting a new benchmark for sustainable offshore operation and driving the future of zero-emission vessel technology,” he declared.

Corvus will supply the battery system to the Spanish yard in 2026 and the vessel is due for delivery one year later.

The Norwegian company, which has completed more than 1,200 projects and claims to have supplied more than half of the world’s zero-emission systems in shipping, has a range of energy storage and fuel cell systems for different vessel types. They include modular lithium-ion battery units and hydrogen proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems.

Read more about:

United KingdomNorway

About the Author

Paul Bartlett

Correspondent

UK-based Paul Bartlett is a maritime journalist and consultant with over four decades of experience in international shipping, including ship leasing, project finance and financial due diligence procedures.

Paul is a former Editor of Seatrade magazine, which later became Seatrade Maritime Review, and has contributed to a range of Seatrade publications over the years including Seatrade’s Green Guide, a publication investigating early developments in maritime sustainability initiatives, and Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine, focusing on the vibrant market for such vessels across that region.

In 2002, Paul set up PB Marine Consulting Ltd and has worked on a variety of consultancy projects during the last two decades. He has also contributed regular articles on the maritime sector for a range of shipping publications and online services in Europe, Asia, and the US.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like