Dutch shipbuilder Damen has developed a new offshore charging concept which enables emission reduction during the operational phase of an offshore wind farm.
The system envisages a fully electric crew transfer vessel (CTV) which can charge at either a turbine or one of Damen’s commissioning service operations vessels (CSOV) outfitted with a charger.
Since turbine-mounted chargers are not yet widely available and installing a battery on a CTV is often not doable due to space and weight restrictions, vessel-to-vessel charging is a more practical option.
UK-based MJR has developed the charging system which sees the CTV connect via a bell mouth that catches the charger lowered from a reel on the aft deck of the CSOV.
Following personnel disembarkation, the vessel could connect using a highly automated, safe process. It is expected that charging could occur in 2-3 hours, depending on the operational profile.
Also, the CSOV can change its position, unlike the turbine, allowing the CTV to charge in any wave conditions.
“Offshore charging is an essential feature for a fully electric CTV operation. Our unique position as builders of both CTVs and CSOVs led us to the idea of placing the charging scope within our assets. This can be done with both a conventional, diesel-powered CSOV, or with a fully electric version,” said Mark Couwenberg, product manager for service operations vessels at Damen.
