Upgrades

Going green and strong

The maritime industry is setting sail on a greener course, and SEACOR Marine is one operator leading the way with hybrid upgrades to its PSV fleet. Its innovative partnership with Kongsberg Maritime will bring big environmental benefits from a surprisingly simple upgrade.

  • Text:Global Sales and Marketing

    Photo:©Kongsberg Maritime

  • CRAIG TAYLOR
    Senior Manager PR & Communications
    (+44) 774 9584 285

SEACOR Marine, a leader in offshore marine transportation, is investing in the future by upgrading several of its platform supply vessels (PSVs) with Kongsberg Maritime’s cutting-edge hybrid energy storage systems.

This strategic move positions SEACOR as a sustainability champion while delivering significant cost savings and enhanced safety during crucial operations. Installation is expected to begin in December 2024 and be completed by the second quarter of 2025. Once installed, more than 50 per cent of SEACOR Marine’s PSV fleet will be hybrid powered. The four vessels included in the contract are the:

  • SEACOR Ohio

  • SEACOR Alps

  • SEACOR Andes

  • SEACOR Atlas

The four PSVs, all Kongsberg Maritime UT 771 CDL designs, will be equipped for battery hybrid operation with the installation of a containerised Deckhouse Energy Storage System and associated switchboards and thruster control systems. The upgrade will also include a new Kongsberg Maritime K-Pos Dynamic Positioning (DP) system installed to replace the current system on all four vessels.

The upgrade to the four vessels follows a similar upgrade completed earlier this year to the SEACOR Yangtze with the Deckhouse System.

“Our decision to expand our hybrid fleet aligns with SEACOR Marine’s core values of innovation and environmental stewardship,” says John Gellert, CEO of SEACOR Marine.

Kongsberg Maritime’s energy storage systems integrate seamlessly with existing on-board power generation. This allows vessels to significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially during DP manoeuvres. 

“SEACOR Marine is one of the most experienced operators of hybrid battery power systems in the offshore market, and we are delighted they have again chosen to expand their fleet of hybrid PSVs with our technology.

“We see that by installing battery power, fuel consumption in DP operation mode on these vessels can be reduced by as much as 20 per cent.

“In addition to batteries, the conversion will also feature a shore connection, enabling connection to power grids when in port, which greatly reduces the amount of engine running hours and emissions from diesel fuels. The key benefit of having battery power instantly available is to maintain the redundancy of the vessels’ power system, with less engines running. This is particularly useful when operating in DP mode, but also has its value in other operational modes.” 

The environmental impact is clear: a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

James Poulton, Kongsberg Maritime’s Senior Vice President of Aftermarket Sales

Enhanced safety for DP operation

Beyond environmental benefits, Kongsberg Maritime’s battery systems offer another crucial advantage: increased redundancy for critical offshore tasks. The battery system acts as vital backup power in case of engine failure, ensuring uninterrupted operation during DP manoeuvres.

Mike Kowalski, SEACOR Marine’s Engineering Manager, explains: “As far as deciding on the power capacity of the hybrid system, having redundancy in case of shut down is always front of mind. 

“We use it as spinning reserve that’s just sitting there in the background. Add to that what we need for the peak shaving for the generators that are online, and we found that we don’t necessarily need more batteries. We can have a safe level of redundancy with less. However, the battery capacity sizing is based around the ship’s ride-through capability, compensating for any instance when a generator might go down. 

“Depending on the average loading of thrusters during a DP operation, this system will give us around 20 minutes of ride-through capability, which in turn provides enough time for the ship’s electrical plant to react and automatically put standby generators online. With Kongsberg Maritime’s system, we don’t skip a beat.”

The economic case for this green upgrade is compelling as well. “This investment aligns with our commitment to operational excellence,” adds Mike. “The hybrid system will not only reduce emissions but also lead to significant cost savings on fuel, and that’s a key consideration for our customers.”

The partnership between Kongsberg Maritime and SEACOR Marine exemplifies a successful collaboration driving positive change within the maritime industry. By combining innovative technology with a commitment to sustainability, both companies are paving the way for a cleaner, safer and more cost-effective future for ship operations.

This strategic upgrade positions SEACOR at the forefront of sustainable maritime practices, while Kongsberg Maritime continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of energy-efficient solutions for the global shipping industry.  

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