Finnish companies Eidesvik Offshore and Wärtsilä have signed an agreement to install a battery-powered hybrid thrust system on her Eidesvik offshore supply vessel Viking Princess. This will make it the first offshore vessel to replace generators with batteries.
There are already other offshore vessels equipped with batteries, but in doing so they do not replace the generators on board, they only enhance their operation. According to Wärtsilä, the energy storage system improves engine efficiency, generates fuel savings and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Engine load
Viking Princess provides deliveries to drilling rigs in the North Sea and Barents Sea. The five-year-old vessel operates on four LNG engines from Wärtsilä. Depending on the vessel's task and weather conditions, the engine load varies between 90 per cent and 20 per cent.
The new system replaces one of the four generators on board and will provide an energy balance to ensure peak demand, resulting in a stable engine load. "In essence," states Wärtsilä, "the technology is similar to that in hybrid cars - it prevents the engine load from dropping and redirects surplus energy to recharge a battery, which can drop in when needed."
Because the operation profile of delivery ships varies widely, there is great potential for fuel savings through improved engine efficiency. In the dynamic position, when the battery is used as an electricity limiter and the engine is running at its most efficient charge, the savings potential is 30 per cent. As a result, the Viking Princess can reduce CO2 emissions by 13 to 18% per run, depending on task conditions.
Sustainable energy production
"Eidesvik and Wärtsilä have had a long and fruitful cooperation since 2003, when 'Viking Energy', then the world's first LNG-powered supply vessel, was launched. The partnership has evolved with the further installation of batteries to support the generators on the Viking Lady in 2015. Now Viking Princess will become the first offshore supply vessel where one of the generators will be completely replaced by batteries. "
Enova SF, a Norwegian state-owned company managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) has supported the project with NOK 6.5 million. By doing so, it aims to accelerate renewable energy production in the maritime sector. Wärtsilä will install the new hybrid system in September this year. "The hybdride energy system is a forward-looking solution that not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions, but also contributes to safer and more efficient operations. We are sure this project will have a positive impact on the industry. We also believe that shipping companies will continue to install hybrid solutions - both on existing ships and those still being built."
By: Kelly Bakker
Source: Wärtsilä
