Fitted with batteries, SOV design targets US offshore wind market

The marine arm of Singapore’s ST Engineering has developed the SOV design with an energy storage system based on its Eco-hull for low fuel consumption and enhanced seakeeping characteristics to maximise crew comfort of the crew, service personnel and specialists.

Configured with two azimuth-type main propulsion propellers, two tunnel bow thrusters and one retractable azimuth forward thruster, the SOV is dynamic positioning class 2 capable (DP2) with a heave-compensated gangway. This combination will allow the SOV to safely transfer personnel from onboard to service offshore wind turbines. Additionally, a cargo/passenger lift with six fixed levels provides zero-step access-and-transfer for the technician and cargo from the vessel to the turbine’s transition piece (TP) through the gangway.

Among the other onboard equipment is a 3D-motion compensated knuckle boom crane to provide covering access to TP and the operational areas for boat landings. The SOV has a large clear space for deck preparation and is fitted with a container skidding system, suitable for up to 20 ft (6 m) containers.

For the comfort of crew and personnel, ST Engineering said special attention has been paid to the noise and vibration characteristics in its design, with a ‘5-star hotel’ standard interior design and customisable facilities. The vessel can accommodate up to 85 service personnel and crew for servicing the offshore windfarms.

To maximise operational efficiency and reduce any unplanned downtime, ST Engineering has integrated NERVA ship management and sense-making systems (NERVA SMS²). The ABS-certified NERVA SMS² adopts data analytics and machine learning techniques to perform predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring of the equipment, providing prescriptive and pre-emptive data to operators for better decision making.

“Having identified the renewables segment as well-suited to ST Engineering’s capabilities, the SOV concept is targeted at operators looking for a more cost-effective and reliable engineering solution that can be customised,” said ST Engineering senior manager Phoebe Lim. “ST Engineering can cater to the needs of global developers and operators, so the construction is available out of both Singapore and US shipyards,” she said.