Dutch shipbuilding firm Damen Shipyards Group has finally introduced its all-electric service operations vessel (SOV) that boasts offshore wind charging technology on Tuesday at the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2023 in Amsterdam, Electrek reports.
SOV 7017 Electric
The SOV 7017 Electric is 70 meters (230 feet) long and 17 meters (56 feet) wide, making it the biggest all-electric SOV for maintenance.
It has two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery configurations, including 15 MWh for 100% electric operations or 10 MWh for 75% electric operations.
About the charging system
According to Marine Link, Damen tapped UK-based MJR Power & Automation to develop the SOV 7017 Electric’s offshore charging technology.
The charging system apparently utilizes the motion-compensated gangway to connect the vessel to a turbine or substation offshore.
The personnel controls the gangway from the wheelhouse without the need for manual interaction with charging equipment.
The partners also boast that they developed the system by leveraging pre-existing offshore infrastructure to cut costs.
“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.”
Mark Couwenberg, Damen Product Manager Service Operations Vessels
Charging plug and safety
Interestingly, charging takes place when the SOV 7017 Electric hits low power or the “green” DP mode.
MJR developed the 4MW charging plug to efficiently support the 70-meter vessel. It is also currently exploring a more powerful 8MW version for 70-meter SOVs.
A single turbine can apparently fully charge the electric SOV in just a “few hours.”
Safety-wise, the charging system adheres to globally recognized safety standards like IEC/IEEE 80005-1. It also expects to gain the DNV Approval in Principle.
“The charging system is designed to be safe, convenient and reliable, with rapid connection and disconnection of the charge umbilical. From the outset of this project, the priority has been to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the vessel and offshore assets, under all conditions. Charging from an offshore asset represents optimal practicality, providing a means to reduce costs and emissions and optimize efficiency without placing personnel nor infrastructure in a potentially hazardous situation.”
Paul Cairns MJR MD
More impressively, the SOV 7017 Electric offers 60 cabins to ensure comfortable accommodation for its crew and up to 40 technicians. It also integrates Damen’s DPX-DRIVE layout to lower underwater noise levels. This innovative SOV model is crucial for Damen’s plans to go commercial and further expand its current customer base in 120 different nations.
