Hybrid energy storage solution replaces traditional generator on an OSV

Technology group Wärtsilä has completed the installation of a hybrid energy system onboard the Viking Princess. The Norwegian vessel is now the first ever offshore supply vessel in which batteries reduce the number of generators aboard the ship.

“The new energy storage solution will improve engine efficiency, generate fuel savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Wärtsilä said in a release.

Viking Princess completed sea trials and the system was handed over to customer Eidesvik Offshore this week.

Wärtsilä claimed the fuel saving potential for the OSV could be up to 30% and CO2 emissions could be reduced by up to up to 18%.

Viking Princess now runs on a combination of a battery pack for energy storage and three LNG-fuelled Wärtsilä engines in a setup akin to the likes of a Toyota Prius car.