Right-sizing enables zero-emission supply operations for the offshore energy market

Published 31. May 2023

FEATURE

To answer the future need for more innovative and greener supply tonnage, we have applied our holistic design mindset to find the sweet spots between necessary capacities and reduced emissions. This led us to develop our first full-electric supply vessel for the offshore energy market.

The Offshore Energy (Oil & Gas and Wind) markets will coexist in the coming years, and the fleet should reflect this. We see an increase in demand for supply vessels ahead, and the future vessels will differ from traditional solutions.

The growth in offshore wind has led to a market change. Environmental regulations are stricter, and technology has evolved. Construction costs and operational costs must be reduced.

Right-sizing enables zero-emission operations

Right-sizing has been the backdrop for developing a more competitive supply vessel for the offshore energy market. Right-sizing is a holistic approach to assessing main parameters, hull design, deck area, cargo capacity, deadweight, and accommodation.

Crew transfer to offshore installations.

Hull design and deck area

The TWIN X-STERN hull line design is the design starting point due to its energy-reducing benefits in DP operations and flexibility in manoeuvring. The 760 m2 medium-sized deck area is ideal for avoiding unnecessary power consumption whilst not jeopardising the supply needs.

Market trends in logistics show that there will be more need for deck load and less liquid cargo.

The full-electric PSV provides ample space for deck load.

Accommodation, remote support and daytime operations

This vessel accommodates only seven people in total to reduce crew costs and vessel size. The philosophy is to use more onshore remote support systems, and some areas are also close to shore enabling daytime operations. Reducing the number of people on board a vessel reduces energy consumption, minimising hotel load and overall vessel size.

Enabling battery operations

Right-sizing considerations, in combination with the latest development in battery systems and offshore charging solutions, enable the vessel to operate on battery power for 3+3 hours of transit, 3 hours of DP and 3 hours of standby. Including offshore charging solutions, the operational range can increase. The vessel includes range extenders with flexible fuel technology to expand range if necessary and is also a redundancy power system.

Future operations

The concept design can include a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) heavy-lift cargo drone for safe lifting operations as well as an option to mobilise an offshore gangway or personnel transport system.