Corvus to Supply Batteries for Gorgon Tugboats, Australia

More than two megawatts of batteries designed and manufactured by Corvus Energy will be at the heart of four new 542 kWh hybrid tugboats now being built for the Gorgon Project.

One of the world’s largest natural gas projects, Gorgon is currently under construction 130 km off the west coast of Australia. Once complete, it will become the largest natural resource project in Australia’s history.

Since the Gorgon Gas Project is located in an environmentally sensitive area, project operators are endeavoring to create a world-­‐class example of environmental management where conservation and development can successfully co-­‐exist.

“Corvus is thrilled to be part of this major project and have our industrial lithium-­‐polymer battery technology featured in the hybrid tugs,” said Corvus Energy’s Brent Perry. “We are confident that our 48-­‐ volt batteries will provide many years of economical operation as well as significantly reducing the environmental impact of such a large and important project.”

At one quarter of the weight of conventional batteries, Corvus’ AT6500 batteries are the world’s most power and energy dense batteries. In application, they deliver a fuel savings payback in about three years for large commercial marine vessels and also provide a significant reduction in harmful emissions.

“It was an easy decision to select Corvus as our battery supplier,” said Ketil Aagesen, Sales Manager, Siemens AS, Industry Sector, Industry Solutions Division, Marine Solutions. “The company’s technology is impressive and we did not hesitate to incorporate Corvus’ high-­‐performance, cost-­‐efficient batteries into the drive trains we’re building for these tugs.”

The state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art hybrid tugs have a maximum bollard pull of 75 tons will be used for general offshore operations and will be called upon to provide a significant role in the ongoing development of the Gorgon gas field.

The hybrid system is predicted to reduce C02 emissions and annual fuel costs enough to provide ROI in a few short years.

The Gorgon Project is a joint venture between several global oil companies. The venture is anticipated to garner 35.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, generate $300 billion in Australian export earnings, and have an estimated lifespan of about 40 years.

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LNG World News Staff, September 20, 2012