Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract by Island Offshore, a Norwegian provider of high-quality solutions for the offshore oil industry, to supply turnkey hybrid battery solutions for three of the firm’s UT 776 CD-design platform supply vessels (PSVs).
Two of the ships, Island Crusader and Island Contender, previously operated with a combination of Bergen LNG engines and Bergen Diesel engines, while the Island Commander deploys four diesels. The conversion of all three into hybrid craft represents a firm commitment to the principles of environmental responsibility, Island Offshore said, but also potential for increased operational efficiency and a marked reduction in maintenance requirements. This in turn could translate into significant cost savings for the company.
In the past, PSVs have typically run multiple engines to achieve redundancy, with consequent effects on fuel performance, equipment health and emissions. However, combining conventional LNG or diesel engines with Kongsberg’s SAVe Energy battery system – which has been validated by DNV-GL – produces instant benefits, the company said. The batteries allow for fewer engines to be running, thus improving efficiency by increasing the load on the remaining engines while also instantly delivering power on demand: ideal in the context of low-load operations such as Dynamic Positioning. Fuel consumption and running costs will also be reduced through conversion of the vessels to closed bus-tie operation.
The solution selected by Island Offshore will operate via a single feed from the ESS (energy storage system) to the main switchboard – with manual changeover which will enable the operators to balance out running hours on generators – and a 600kW dual shore connection. Kongsberg Maritime’s 8m/26ft ESS 896kWh deckhouse will encompass a standard, type-approved, liquid-cooled container solution with air-cooled SAVe Energy batteries. The extensive scope of supply will also involve modifications to each vessel’s main switchboard and K-Power EMS energy management system, as well as an upgrade of the Acon automation and alarm system.
“We are pleased to be working with Kongsberg Maritime on this endeavor, as a leading supplier and strategic partner to our business,” said Tommy Walaunet, managing director, Island Offshore Management. “By making this investment despite challenging market conditions, we underline our commitment to continue reducing our vessels’ environmental footprints, and our strong belief in a sustainable future for our business.”
“The operational, financial and ecological benefits of hybridization based on our lithium-ion SAVe Energy modular energy storage system speak for themselves,” added Gaute Aasen Augestad, regional sales manager (EMEA), Kongsberg Maritime. “Applying this concept to the PSV market sets an important precedent for the industry, and we’re pleased to have been entrusted with delivering this integrated technology package for these Island Offshore vessels.”
