Ørsted, Esvagt agree deal for green offshore wind vessel

Designed to operate entirely on green fuels, the SOV will be powered by batteries and dual fuel engines capable of operating on renewable e-methanol. The e-methanol will be produced using electricity from wind energy and ‘biogenic carbon.’ The companies said operating the vessel this way will reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 4,500 tonnes/year.

“This decision sends a clear signal that the future for service and installation vessels is green,” said the companies, noting that the decision to invest in the new SOV supports Ørsted’s target of becoming carbon-neutral in its energy generation and operations by 2025.

Ørsted said the decision was also “a tangible example of the company’s decarbonisation journey towards its science-based target of reaching net-zero emissions across the full value chain by 2040.”

Esvagt will start building the vessel in the second quarter of 2022. The owner did not state which company is designing the vessel or which yard will build it.

When commissioned, by the end of 2024, the SOV will start servicing the world’s largest offshore windfarm, Hornsea 2, off the east coast of the UK.

Ørsted head of offshore operations Mark Porter said, “It’s natural for Ørsted to take the lead in driving out fossil fuels from the industry.

“We have set clear targets and a clear direction towards net-zero emissions, and this new methanol-powered SOV is a tangible proof of our clear commitment to realise these targets.

“The agreement with Esvagt checks many boxes for us, as it both helps decarbonise our offshore operations while also demonstrating our strong belief that green fuels based on renewable energy is the most viable solution to create a green maritime sector.”

Esvagt chief strategy and commercial officer Søren Karas said, “This is an important milestone with meaningful impact on the green transition. Ørsted and Esvagt share an ambition for a sustainable future. We are delighted to be able to take this bold step together with Ørsted towards making offshore wind marine solutions fossil free with an innovative new solution.”

The new SOV is designed to be a highly efficient workspace and will provide safe transfer of windfarm technicians via a motion-compensated gangway and transfer boats. It will also be fitted with a crane to lift heavy spare parts.

The vessel will be 93 m overall in length with a breadth of 19.60 m, maximum draft of 6.50 m and speed of 14 knots. It will provide accommodation for 124 people and have a helideck.