Kongsberg Hybrid Power System for Island Offshore PSV Trio

Norwegian offshore support vessel owner Island Offshore has awarded a contract to Kongsberg Maritime to supply turnkey hybrid battery solutions for three platform supply vessels.

Two vessels Island Crusader and Island Contender, previously operated with a combination of Bergen LNG engines and Bergen Diesel engines, while the Island Commander deploys four diesel engines. Now, they will be equipped with battery packs and shore connections.

"The conversion of all three into hybrid craft not only represents a firm commitment on the part of Island Offshore to the principles of environmental responsibility but also unlocks a wealth of potential for increased operational efficiency and a marked reduction in maintenance requirements. This in turn translates to significant cost savings for the company," Kongsberg Maritime said.

Instant benefits
In the past, PSVs have typically run multiple engines to achieve redundancy, with consequent impacts on fuel performance, equipment health, and emissions, Kongsberg says.

However, the Norwegian marine technology company says, combining conventional LNG or diesel engines with KONGSBERG’s SAVe Energy battery system produces instant benefits. 

"The batteries allow for fewer engines to be running, thus improving efficiency by increasing the load on the remaining engines while also instantly delivering power on demand: ideal in the context of low-load operations such as Dynamic Positioning. Fuel consumption and running costs will also be reduced through conversion of the vessels to closed bus-tie operation," Kongsberg Maritime said.

The solution opted for by Island Offshore will operate via a single feed from the ESS (Energy Storage System) to the main switchboard – with manual changeover that will enable the operators to balance out running hours on generators – and a 600kW dual shore connection. 

Kongsberg Maritime’s 8m/26ft ESS 896kWh deckhouse will encompass a standard, type-approved, liquid-cooled container solution with air-cooled SAVe Energy batteries. The extensive scope of supply will also involve modifications to each vessel’s main switchboard and K-Power EMS energy management system, as well as an upgrade of the Acon automation and alarm system.

Deck space unaffected
In a statement on Tuesday, Island Offshore revealed that the Island Crusader has already been sailing on battery since early summer.

"Ordering energy-saving and eco-friendly systems for all three vessels is very pleasing. Two of the vessels are already running on natural gas (LNG) or optionally MGO (Marine Gas Oil), and will now additionally have batteries and shore connection installed. This will contribute significantly to reducing emissions,” says  Island Offshore's Managing Director Tommy Walaunet.

A battery pack can be used as the spare capacity and extra safety when the vessel is alongside a rig, thus saving both fuel and generator running hours, Island said. In addition the battery will contribute with quick and effective power during transit, reducing the need to start up an extra generator for peak loads.

"As the gas engines perform best when running on constant load, the combination with batteries is ideal," Island Offshore said.

"The generator does most of the work while the battery absorbs the variations up and down, resulting in smooth sailing without the great need of extra engine power to handle head sea," Walaunet explains.

Kongsberg Maritime will deliver batteries and Energy Storage System (ESS) for the three sister vessels. Kongsberg is familiar with the vessels, as the company also delivered design, propulsion, engines, and other main equipment when the vessels were built.

All three vessels are chartered by Lundin Energy Norway on long-term contracts.

Island Offshore has assured that the batteries will not affect the deck capacity of the vessels.

"The vessels will be equipped with battery containers placed on a mezzanine deck aft of the wheel house, to avoid the vessels losing valuable deck space when working as supply vessels," the Norwegian vessel owner added.

In addition, shore power connections will be installed enabling the vessels to lay alongside quays without using engine power where shore-side electrical power is supplied. In ports without shore power vessels can activate harbor mode, using battery power only. 

"This reduces engine-running hours significantly and is a considerable contribution to reduce the local environmental impact, as well as fuel costs. The generator will only startup when the batteries are discharged, in order to recharge them," Island Offshore said.

Supporting Lundin's offshore ops
"All three vessels have been chartered on long term contracts by Lundin previously, thus Lundin know our vessels well. By further developing these vessels together with us, they show that they take their environmental responsibility seriously and wish to reduce their environmental footprint. This is an important priority for us as ship owners as well,” says Walaunet.

Island Crusader entered into service July 4, chartered to support the rig West Bollsta drilling rig, while Island Contender will support Rowan Viking starting in the spring of 2021. Island Commander is already on contract for Lundin and will keep supporting the drilling activity on the Edvard Grieg field. The new three year period for Island Commander will start in November.

“We are pleased to be working with Kongsberg Maritime on this endeavor, as a leading supplier and strategic partner to our business,” says Tommy Walaunet, Managing Director, Island Offshore Management AS. “By making this investment despite challenging market conditions, we underline our commitment to continue reducing our vessels’ environmental footprints, and our strong belief in a sustainable future for our business.”

“The operational, financial, and ecological benefits of hybridization-based on our lithium-ion SAVe Energy modular energy storage system speak for themselves,” adds Gaute Aasen Augestad, Regional Sales Manager (EMEA), Kongsberg Maritime. 

“Applying this concept to the PSV market sets an important precedent for the industry, and we’re pleased to have been entrusted with delivering this integrated technology package for these Island Offshore vessels.”