Westcon equips ‘Viking Energy’ with energy storage system

Eidesvik Offshore, a Norway-based supply, subsea, seismic and cable-laying shipping company, has chosen Westcon Power & Automation to deliver the energy storage system for their multi-purpose offshore vessel Viking Energy.

According to Westcon, an offshore and maritime industry products, services and solutions provider, the system should reduce fuel consumption by 15-20 percent.

Eidesvik Offshore announced a few weeks ago that an Energy Storage System would be installed onboard the LNG-fueled vessel Viking Energy. The contract for delivering the system has now been awarded to Westcon Power & Automation.

Geir Odland, CEO of Westcon Power & Automation, part of Westcon Group, said: “Eidesvik is one of the foremost pioneers in the development of future’s energy efficient vessels, and we are very proud to be a part of this journey. Westcon Power & Automation has developed its own battery system solutions for vessel, and with Viking Energy it will be the first time we deliver the total solutions onboard a vessel.”

The Viking Energy was the first LNG-fueled PSV in the world when it was delivered in 2003, says Westcon. The propulsion system powered by natural gas reduces the emissions of CO2, NOx and sulfur-containing gases.

As Westcon claims, the energy storage system will additionally reduce the CO2 emissions by 15 to 20 percent, NOx emissions by 25 percent and the fuel consumption by 15 to 20 percent.

Odland further said: “There is no doubt that hybrid electrification is a solution of the future that not only reduces climate gas emission, but also results in safer and more efficient vessels. This is why we have invested in the development of such solutions for many years, with a support from the Research council of Norway. We now see an increased interest for battery power onboard of offshore vessels and ferries, and that our investment in technology and expertise pays off.”

PSV Viking Energy has been operated by the oil and gas company Statoil since its delivery in 2003. In November this year, the oil and gas company extended the contract for the PSV with two years from April 2016. The contract has further one year option.

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