Norwegian OSV owner Island Offshore has ordered battery packs and shore connections for three UT 776 CD design platform supply vessels (PSVs) on long-term charter to Lundin
Two of the PSVs, Island Crusader and Island Contender, previously operated with a combination of Bergen LNG engines and Bergen Diesel engines, while Island Commander deploys four diesels. Island Crusader has been sailing on battery for the last few months, reported Island Offshore.
“Ordering energy saving and eco-friendly systems for all three vessels is very pleasing,” said Island Offshore Management AS managing director Tommy Walaunet. “Two of the vessels are already running on natural gas (LNG) or optionally marine gas oil and will now additionally have batteries and shore connection installed. This will contribute significantly in reducing emissions,” added Mr Walaunet.
A battery pack can be used as spare capacity and extra safety when the vessel is alongside a rig, saving both fuel and generator running hours. Additionally, the battery will contribute with quick and effective power during transit, reducing the need to start up an extra generator for peak loads. As the gas engines perform best when running on constant load, the combination with batteries is a sound technical solution.
“The generators do most of the work while the battery absorbs the variations up and down, resulting in smooth sailing without the great need of extra engine power to handle head sea,” Mr Walaunet explained.
Kongsberg Maritime, which delivered the design, propulsion, engines and other main equipment when the vessels were built, will deliver batteries and the energy storage system for the three PSVs.
All three vessels are chartered by Lundin Energy Norway on long-term contracts.
Battery containers to be installed
The vessels will be equipped with battery containers placed on a mezzanine deck aft of the wheelhouse, to avoid the vessels losing valuable deck space when working as supply vessels. In addition, shore power connections will be installed enabling the vessels to lay alongside quays without using engine power where shoreside electrical power is supplied. In ports without shore power, vessels can activate harbour mode, using battery power only. This reduces engine-running hours significantly and is a considerable contribution to reduce the local environmental impact, as well as fuel costs. The generator will only start up when the batteries are discharged, to recharge them.
“All three vessels have been chartered on long-term contracts by Lundin previously, thus Lundin know our vessels well,” said Mr Walaunet. “By further developing these vessels together with us, they show that they take their environmental responsibility seriously and wish to reduce their environmental footprint. This is an important priority for us as shipowners as well,” he added.
Island Crusader entered into service on 4 July, chartered to support the rig West Bollsta, while Island Contender will support Rowan Viking commencing in H1 2021.
Island Commander is already on contract for Lundin and will keep supporting the drilling activity on Edvard Grieg. The new 3-year period for Island Commander will commence in November 2020.
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