Solstad Offshore is collaborating with Caterpillar Marine and Cat dealer Pon Power to increase the fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its offshore support vessel (OSV) fleet
Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the three parties, emissions-reduction technologies, potentially using batteries and alternative fuels such as methanol, will be evaluated for use in the Norwegian OSV owner’s existing fleet.
Solstad has a net-zero GHG target in 2050 and expects to reduce CO2 emissions through optimised energy efficiencies and retrofitted vessels that operate with alternative fuels such as methanol. Additionally, future newbuild OSVs must be designed from the outset to operate with either low- or zero-emissions profiles, and solutions developed by Caterpillar Marine from this MoU will be evaluated for Solstad’s existing fleet.
Through its Solstad Green Operations programme, the Norwegian OSV owner has systematically reduced emissions through operational measures since 2009, as well as making technical upgrades to its vessels. These efforts have resulted in about a 20% reduction in emissions adjusted for increased activity since 2009, according to the owner’s latest available sustainability report.
Ironically, Solstad Offshore had one of the largest battery-electric-hybrid OSV fleets in the world, prior to the sale of its 37-strong platform supply vessel (PSV) fleet to Tidewater Marine in 2023. Now, the only battery-hybrid vessel in Solstad’s fleet is Normand Ocean.
Solstad has expressed interest in methanol and ammonia as alternative fuels for its fleet. Additionally, as of 1 October 2023, Norway has issued a biofuel blending mandate requiring domestic fuel suppliers to blend as much as 6% hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) or fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) into marine fuels. These advanced biofuel blends are supplied only for Norway’s domestic shipping market.
“Caterpillar Marine is committed to helping vessel owners increase fuel efficiency and reduce GHG emissions,” said the engine builder in a press statement, adding, offering “pathways to support these operational and sustainability targets by providing a range of solutions for alternative fuels and powertrain integration.”
Caterpillar Marine vice president and general manager Brad Johnson said the four-stroke engine builder is “committed to supporting our customers’ climate-related objectives through methanol-powered solutions.”
About 50% of Solstad Offshore’s fleet is powered by Cat engines. “As a vital, strategic partner with Pon Power for more than three decades, we are proud to deepen our collaboration,” said Solstad Offshore sustainability director Tor Inge Dale.
In collaboration with Caterpillar, Pon Power will identify alternative fuels and electrification options as well as participate in university research, professional society programmes and events with vessel owners, ship designers and yards to advance more sustainable marine power solutions.Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Americas will be held in Houston, Texas, 11-12 June 2024, click here for more information on this industry-leading event
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