US offshore vessel operator Seacor Marine will switch four of its platform supply vessels (PSV) to hybrid power with the acquisition of four energy storage systems from Norwegian marine technology firm Kongsberg Maritime.
The hybrid power solution will be installed on four of Seacor PSVs – the Seacor Ohio, Seacor Alps, Seacor Andes, and Seacor Atlas – with installation expected to begin in December 2024 and completed by the second quarter of 2025. Once installed, more than half of Seacor’s PSV fleet will be hybrid-powered.
The four PSVs will feature Kongsberg Maritime’s Deckhouse Energy Storage System and associated switchboards and thruster control systems. The upgrade will also include Kongsberg’s K-Pos DP system installed to replace the current DP system on all four vessels.
“Seacor Marine was one of the first offshore operators to install battery hybrid systems, and this announcement marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our fleet,” John Gellert, Seacor Marine’s CEO, said.
“[By] installing battery power, fuel consumption in DP operation mode on these vessels can be reduced by as much as 20%. In addition to batteries, the conversion will also feature a shore connection, enabling connection to power grids when in port, which greatly reduces the amount of engine running hours and emissions from diesel fuels,” James Poulton, SVP of aftermarket sales Kongsberg Maritime, added.
