Latin American first: PSV retrofitted to hybrid propulsion

It has contracted technology group Wärtsilä to convert a platform supply vessel (PSV) to operate with hybrid propulsion. CBO Flamengo will be the first vessel in Latin America to be fitted with batteries for hybrid propulsion.

Wärtsilä will supply a hybrid solution that complies with the DNV GL’s Battery Power class notation.

The conversion will enable CBO Flamengo’s engines to run more efficiently with lower emissions, and will improve safety as there will be fewer engines running at higher loads.

Wärtsilä’s hybrid package will provide redundancy power, reduce intermittent load increases, decreasing engine running hours and thus maintenance requirements and costs.

CBO technical and commercial director Marcelo Martins said this investment will reduce fossil fuel consumption and is aligned with CBO’s environmental and social governance initiatives. “CBO is always interested in new technologies and innovation is in our DNA,” said Mr Martins. “This makes the decision to install batteries in our vessels a natural path.”

He hinted the investment in CBO Flamengo’s hybrid propulsion could be replicated across the fleet. “CBO will offer more efficient operation to our clients, and this will be the first step of more to come,” said Mr Martins. “We are pleased to join forces with Wärtsilä to implement new technologies into CBO’s fleet.”

Under this agreement, Wärtsilä is responsible for power conversion, project services, hybrid solution delivery and commissioning. Wärtsilä intends to deliver the required equipment in April 2021, then CBO will be responsible for its installation and integration on CBO Flamengo.

By combining competences in marine electrical, automation and engine technologies, Wärtsilä has brought together multiple functions and systems to deliver a single integrated hybrid power module. This combines engines, an energy storage system and power electronics, optimised by an energy management system (EMS), which Wärtsilä said is the brain of the hybrid system.

This EMS optimises the energy flows between the different power sources, storage, and consumers to achieve the highest efficiency possible.

CBO operates a fleet of 32 vessels of different types, including PSVs, anchor handlers, subsea support and repair vessels. It employs around 1,100 people in its bases in Niterói and Macaé, both in Rio de Janeiro state.

Fuel efficiency, lower maintenance and improved safety benefits will be explained during Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid & Electric, Europe virtual conference on 9-11 December - use this link for more details and to register for this defining event