Battery-based electric vehicles are gaining momentum, but a shipyard group decided to take a step further. To prioritize sustainability, Damen’s new SOV vessel can be charged from offshore wind turbines. This fully electric vessel is designed to revolutionize offshore wind farm maintenance. The SOV 7017 E is not just cost-effective but also has strong efficient batteries. Moreover, it’s safer performance will revolutionize maritime industry.
The latest addition to Damen Shipyards Group’s fleet is none other than an impressive Service Operations Vessel (SOV 7017 E) – a fully electric vessel measuring 70 meters by 17 meters. With its remarkable offshore charging capabilities, this vessel sets the stage for a remarkable reduction in emissions during the upkeep of offshore wind farms.
Three years ago, Damen embarked on a mission to evaluate the viability of an electric SOV in order to significantly enhance the sustainability of vessel operations at offshore wind farms. The shipbuilder promptly determined that it would indeed be possible from a technical standpoint.
Damen along with MJR Power & Automation, a UK-based company renowned for their success in creating an offshore charging system for a crew transfer vessel. Faced with this remarkable accomplishment, MJR embraced the opportunity to craft a fast, efficient, and, most importantly, secure charging system.
The discussion revolved around two crucial inquiries:
- Firstly, it was necessary to determine the feasibility of incorporating offshore charging capabilities.
- Secondly, it was imperative to evaluate the profitability of embracing this model despite its potential increase in CAPEX costs.
Damen conducted a thorough business case analysis to answer the second question of whether there is a viable business case for such a vessel. This analysis considered various crucial factors, such as the cost of battery replacements, batteries and chargers, CO2 pricing, energy expenses, along with wide-ranging charging solutions and operational profiles.
Product manager service operations vessels of Damen, Mark Couwenberg, said, “The product launch of the SOV 7017 E demonstrates that the technology is there to make offshore operations fully electric. The reduction in OPEX implied by harvesting energy directly from the offshore wind farm implies a business case for this model. We cannot do this alone, however.”
“To make this a reality will require collaboration throughout the chain, with shipbuilder, vessel operator and wind farm developer working together in pursuit of mutual benefit. We’re looking forward to participating in such cooperations as we take this concept forward. Together, we can make our offshore energy production more sustainable,” Couwenberg further added.
Also See: What Factors Affect the Electric Car Battery Replacement Cost?
Features of SOV 7017 E
The latest addition to Damen Shipyards Group’s fleet is surely advantageous in the following ways:
1. Strong battery
The SOV 7017 E boasts a substantial 15MWhr battery, providing abundant power for a complete day of operations. What sets this battery apart is the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP), a better alternative to the conventional lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery type. The primary focus here is to enhance the vessel’s sustainable credentials. LFP batteries possess the benefit of relying less on vulnerable raw materials, specifically cobalt.
2. Safer Batteries
In addition to enhanced safety performance, LFP also exhibits reduced susceptibility to ignition and, in the rare event of ignition, is easier to manage and control. Furthermore, if the vessel encounters a temporary lack of electrical power, the SOV 7017 E boasts full redundancy, allowing it to seamlessly continue operations using conventional diesel propulsion.
Damen and MJR carefully chose the charging method to guarantee the utmost level of safety and efficiency. By controlling the gangway from the wheelhouse, there is no need for any manual interaction with the charging equipment. The charging system employs a motion-compensated gangway to establish a link between the vessel and a turbine or substation offshore, like how personnel transfers are performed.
3. Adherence to Safety Standards
Damen’s new SOV vessel can be charged from offshore wind turbines as the system adheres to internationally recognized safety standards, such as IEC/IEEE 80005-1. Moreover, it is on the verge of securing DNV AIP (Approval in Principle) and has been thoughtfully designed in alignment with the forthcoming offshore charging standards, which are being collaboratively developed by DNV Norway and the United Kingdom.
4. Effective Charge Controller
MJR unveiled a 4MW charger connector, specifically designed to cater to the needs of 70-metre vessels. Not only that, but the company is also currently putting in immense effort to develop an 8MW version. This enhanced charger connector will revolutionize industry by allowing the charging of larger vessels, up to an impressive length of 90 meters.
5. More Efficient Working
With even greater efficiency, the SOV 7017 E proudly showcases Damen’s innovative DPX-DRIVETM system. This innovative layout includes four azimuth thrusters that allow for independent propulsion in any direction, resulting in significantly decreased underwater noise levels.
6. Cost-Effective & Energy Efficient
One of the advantages is that it uses existing offshore infrastructure, which greatly increases cost-effectiveness. The vessel is charged in a low power mode known as green DP mode, which consumes less energy than the hotel load. A complete charge usually only takes a few hours of energy generated by a single turbine.
7. More Spacious
With its ample storage space, well-equipped workshops, and spacious deck, the vessel is ready to take on a wide range of transportation and work tasks. Not only that, but its 60 cozy cabins ensure comfortable accommodation for the crew and up to 40 technicians.
Source: Damen introduces fully electric SOV with offshore charging
