ADNOC begins hybrid voyage towards decarbonisation

OSVs built for services in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, could have battery modules on board as part of hybrid propulsion systems. 

ADNOC Logistics & Services is cutting emissions from its fleet by trialling hybrid propulsion on crewboats and a platform supply vessel (PSV). It is using biodiesel on other OSVs and intends to order a new landing vessel for delivery in 2026. 

ADNOC Logistics & Services senior vice president of offshore logistics, Mohamed Al Ali, says the first crewboats with hybrid propulsion were introduced in mid-2024 as the first of its fleet with energy storage systems. 

He says “[future] newbuilds we are designing should include hybrid propulsion systems”, indicating this is a trend the vessel owner will be following. 

“We are converting a PSV to hybrid for completion in early 2026,” says Capt Ali. “We are also fuelling some vessels with biodiesel. We are regularly getting supplies to some of our vessels, including PSVs.”

Capt Ali says hybrid conversion projects are “extremely challenging” due to the technical elements involved and the costs, which can be double those of a conventional diesel-mechanical vessel of a similar size.  

“Which is why we go with pilot conversions before looking at the whole fleet,” says Capt Ali. However, these investments should be worthwhile, especially for crewboats, which can idle in harbours for two thirds of their operations.

“Smart cameras can monitor vessels and detect issues”

“As crewboats operate for around 30% of the time, during the other 70% they could run on batteries instead of a generator. Therefore, the operational advantages are significant, and investment is worthwhile.”

Capt Ali also says ADNOC Logistics & Services is considering investing in a remotely operated landing craft to supply offshore energy production islands in the UAE. “We have completed the design and have approval of this design from class.” He expects a shipyard to be contracted for its construction in Q1 2025, with its delivery following 18 months later. 

Digitalisation drive

More of the company’s existing vessels are being upgraded with digital technologies, including those for monitoring fleet performance and managing voyages, for smarter and safer operations.

Officers on vessels are being assisted by digital tools featuring artificial intelligence (AI) for weather routeing and voyage optimisation and for greater automation of operations, or for detecting issues and monitoring vessels and crew.

“These are changing how offshore services are being provided,” says Capt Ali. “We have delivered smart-ship solutions, to ensure we can predict and identify potential incidents. Smart cameras can monitor vessels and detect issues.”

Intelligence also improves the efficiency of offshore support and logistics services, such as managing supply chains for offshore construction and production projects. “We needed to transport more tonnage, so we introduced AI that gives us the best recommendations,” says Capt Ali.

AI is supporting operations and not replacing people in the organisation. He thinks there is a greater need for skilled personnel “who can see beyond the AI to make the right decisions”. These onshore and offshore employees need to work with digital and hybrid technologies to help ADNOC gain the most out of its fleet. “As new technology emerges, we increasingly need a skilled workforce,” says Capt Ali.