VIDEO: World first conversion takes LNG-fueled OSV hybrid

Energy storage solution replaced one of vessel's four LNG fueled engines

OCTOBER 13, 2017 — Eidesvik Offshore’s Viking Princess has become the world’s first offshore vessel to use battery power to reduce the number of generators on board. The five year old Norwegian vessel now runs on a combination of a battery pack for energy storage and three LNG-fueled Wärtsilä engines.

The vessel’s newWärtsilä energy storage solution provides balancing energy to cover the demand peaks, resulting in a more stable load on the engines. The technology is similar to that used in hybrid cars: it prevents the engine load from dipping, and uses the surplus to re-energize the battery, which can be charged as needed.

Wärtsilä’s remote monitoring and operational advisory services support the daily operation of the vessel, ensuring efficient and optimized operations.

The new energy storage solution will improve engine efficiency, generate fuel savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Viking Princess completed sea trials and the system was handed over to Eidesvik Offshore on October 9.

There is significant potential to save fuel through improved engine efficiency, as the operating profile of supply vessels is highly variable. When using the Wärtsilä installed energy storage system on board Viking Princess, the fuel saving potential can be up to 30 percent in various operations and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to approximately 13–18 percent per year, depending on operational conditions and requirements.

Additionally, the hybrid solution will provide a more optimal load on the engines, while the intervals between engine maintenance can be extended.

The contract to replace one of the four engines on Viking Princess with battery power was signed in May.

PARTNERSHIP

“Eidesvik and Wärtsilä’s partnership dates back to 2003 when our ship, the Viking Energy became the first offshore supply vessel powered by LNG fuel. Now, together, we are again introducing a world’s first, with the Viking Princess becoming the first offshore vessel in which batteries reduce the number of generators aboard the ship. We are grateful to Wärtsilä for providing the technology to make this possible,” says Vermund Hjelland, President Technical Department, Eidesvik Offshore.

“This is a truly forward-looking solution, and we congratulate Eidesvik Offshore for having the vision to appreciate the benefits that hybrid energy system offers. In addition to the fuel consumption and environmental advantages, the conversion also reduces maintenance costs and contributes to more efficient operations. The success of this project will impact the future of the entire shipping industry,” says Sindre Utne, Manager Projects and Operations, Wärtsilä Norway. “Wärtsilä’s advantage lies at the most advanced level of integration related to hybrid technology for marine applications. It is a combination of expertise in both engines and electrical and automation systems, as well as digital solutions.”