Delivery journey is “ultimate sea trial” for MHO-Co CTVs’ power system

Volvo Penta and Danfoss Editron used 12,000 nautical mile delivery voyage to test various power combinations available with vessels’ innovative propulsion solution.

MHO-Co’s two new advanced hybrid crew transfer vessels (CTVs) – MHO Asgard and MHO Apollo – have now completed their delivery journey from China’s AFAI Southern Shipyard to Ejsberg, Denmark.

The 12,000 mile voyage was the ultimate sea trial for the vessels’ power system. The result of a collaboration between Volvo Penta and Danfoss Editron, the fully integrated solution is made up of a Danfoss Editron electric drivetrain supported by Volvo Penta variable speed gensets that drive two of the first electric Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) units as well as two D13 Volvo Penta IPS units.

The new IPS units have already achieved 1,000 hours of operation before even reaching the customer. This impressive milage has given all the teams time to test and adjust the system to create a tailor-made solution that fits the owner’s requirements.

“These systems are a very important first step towards the future of sustainable operations at sea,” says Mik Henriksen, CEO of MHO-Co. “We believe it is our shared responsibility to drive more sustainable solutions in the marine sector, and the best way to do this is through collaboration.”

Danfoss Editron and Volvo Penta treated the journey from China to Denmark as a pilot project and a time to work with the captains and crews to tweak the novel technology onboard and make it as reliable and efficient as possible for the customer. The companies were able to test different power combinations, such as diesel-electric operation or diesel-only. In Dynamic Positioning System-mode (DPS-mode) fuel consumption is below 20 liters/hour and can be as low as 17 liters/hour which is exceptional for vessels of this size class.

All these tests were carried out with the captain and stakeholders, which meant the result was a solution that was fit for purpose for the operator’s requirements. From these initial learnings, the teams have started adapting the drivetrain – not just the motors themselves – to all-electric propulsion needs.

Volvo Penta also worked with captains during the design phase to reimagine existing systems. For example, to take the electric propulsion dimension into account, Volvo Penta created a completely new HMI (human/machine interface). To do this, the company worked closely with the captains during the design phase. Volvo Penta took advantage of options offered by the power of plenty, different kind of captain controls, and reading diagnostics differently to develop the HMI.

“The design, build, and delivery of these vessels was all about teamwork and collaboration,” says Erno Tenhunen, Danfoss Editron’s marine director. “Ultimately, these are learning projects on all sides. We are trying to push the limits of technology, and the best way to do this is to bring our unique ideas, perspective, and knowledge together. That’s exactly what we have done here.”

BATTERIES

Before the vessels enter operation, batteries are being installed in Denmark to provide stored power for zero-emissions operation. This system will allow the vessels to operate in zero-emission electric mode for up to eight hours or, in combination with diesel propulsion, to achieve a maximum speed of approximately 24 knots. Using multiple modular generators allows operators to tailor power generation to the operational profile and enhance flexibly.

“We’re excited to see these vessels go into action in the North Sea. This pilot project has been hugely beneficial in helping us create the building blocks for future projects,” says Jacob Vierø, Sales Project Manager, Volvo Penta. “Each operation will be different and require a tailor-made propulsion solution, but this project has allowed us to both develop the technology and collaborative process that can be adapted for future commercial operations.”