World-first vessel charging system completes harbour trials

The trials were undertaken at Port of Blyth using crew transfer vessel Tia Elizabeth, which is owned and operated by Tidal Transit. 

The set-up at the port replicated the installation of the offshore power and charging system on an offshore wind turbine and/or substation, validating safe connection, mooring, and charging of a battery bank installed on the CTV.  

All interconnection, mooring, automation, monitoring and safety systems – including wireless communication and emergency disconnection – were tested and validated during the trials.

Designed to use energy generated in an offshore windfarm, the power and charging system will enable all hybrid and electric CTVs and other offshore vessels to connect in the field to a 100% green energy source.

MJR Power & Automation managing director Paul Cairns said, “Our offshore power and charging system is a ground-breaking innovation set to revolutionise the marine sector and has the potential to enable the industry to seamlessly transition to electrically operated CTV fleets.

“By providing a solution to power vessels and charge batteries in the field – during periods when they would otherwise be idle – MJR’s offshore power and charging system will prove to be an enabler for the large-scale deployment of eCTVs and electric hybrid vessels in the offshore sector.

“If 50% of the UK’s CTV fleet converted to electric operation, it would eliminate approximately 131,100 tonnes of CO2 each year. These figures are staggering and highlight that such technology, and the adoption of it, will be pivotal in reducing emissions in the field and helping owners, operators and governments to achieve their net-zero targets.”

With harbour trials completed, MJR will demobilise the equipment and prepare for installation on a substation in an offshore windfarm in the North Sea.

In addition to charging CTVs, with a maximum charging time of two hours, MJR is also developing a similar system delivering higher powers for  larger vessels, such as service operations vessels.