In focus: Vessel decarbonization efforts pick up steam

The offshore energy industry is showing its strongest commitment and ramp-up in efforts to reach net-zero targets as soon as possible and get the energy crisis worries off its chest. Cutting vessel emissions has always been an integral part of the equation. With hybrid power solutions and different technology available, the decarbonization of vessels now seems to be a hot topic more than ever.

This week saw high activity coming from all markets towards making the use of vessels more environmentally friendly and finding and pursuing ways to reduce emissions.

The UK government has supported MJR Power and Automation with funding to develop its electrical offshore charging vessel technology for crew transfer vessels (CTVs), service operation vessels (SOVs), and platform supply vessels (PSVs), among others, allowing them to connect to offshore wind turbines in the field.

“The ability to charge in the field and use renewable energy will significantly accelerate adoption of current emission-free propulsion systems which will be a major asset for the decarbonization of the UK and global maritime sector,” MJR said.

Offshore contractor Allseas announced it is furnishing its pipelay vessels Solitaire and Audacia and multi-purpose vessel Fortitude with Kongsberg Maritime’s battery technology and is planning to pursue hybrid power solutions for other vessels in a bid to future-proof its fleet by making it greener and more efficient.

The energy storage solution is said to allow the engines to run at increased fuel efficiency and enable full flexibility in power system setups. The move is part of the company’s strategy to minimize the impact on the environment by optimizing efficiency and reducing emissions across its operations.

Subsea 7’s Seven Arctic will also be fitted with a new energy-saving system under a contract with Bakker Sliedrecht. It is believed to be the first heavy-construction, flex-lay vessel in the world to be equipped with such a system.

The new energy-saving and storage system will hybridize the vessel and will include a containerized battery room with a maximum power of 3750 kW and 1250 kWh of energy, as well as a connection for shore power.

Based on the vessel’s operating profile, it is estimated that 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions will be reduced.

Another industry major, DEME, has also decided to invest in a new DP fallpipe vessel that will feature a battery pack for fuel efficiency and more sustainable operations.

Carbon capture, a relatively new concept, has been hitting the headlines with major, large-scale project plans being announced and agreements being signed. The shipping sector is no exception.

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), Stena Bulk, and Alfa Laval have launched a joint project to investigate the on-board capture, storage and off-loading of CO2.

A seven-member consortium will test a carbon capture unit onboard a Stena Bulk MR tanker to assess the operational challenges on a ship at sea and identify potential cost reduction measures for future commercial applications.

The two-year-long project has been described as the world’s first project aimed at demonstrating end-to-end shipboard carbon capture at scale. It is targeting at least 30% absolute CO2 capture, or approximately 1000 kg/hr of capture.

Efforts to decarbonize shipping come from Denmark as well. Shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk has ordered an additional six large ocean-going vessels that can sail on green methanol.

The vessels will be built by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and have a nominal capacity of approx. 17,000 TEU. They come with dual-fuel engines able to operate on green methanol which is expected to save about 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

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