K Line’s offshore vessel first to get DNV GL Shore Power class notation

The offshore vessel KL Sandefjord, owned by K Line Offshore, has become the first vessel with the DNV GL Shore Power class notation.

DNV GL, an international oil & gas advisory and classification society, said on Thursday that the Shore Power notation verifies the design and installation of a vessel’s onboard electrical shore connection.

The Shore Power notation ensures a safe and efficient way of performing the connection and disconnection of shore power.

When in port, such a vessel can shut down its engines and rely on a shore-based electrical supply for its needs at berth – the so called “cold ironing.”

Espen Sørensen, senior VP of operation and technical in K Line Offshore AS, said: “We are very pleased to receive this notation for our large and powerful anchor handler KL Sandefjord which reflects our commitment to ensuring a cleaner port environment.

“With an onboard shore power installation tested and verified by DNV GL, we now have an offshore vessel equipped for the future. And as result of the good cooperation we have enjoyed with the Bergen Port Authority and DNV GL during this process, we have also decided to apply for the Shore Power class notation for the sister vessel, KL Saltfjord.”

According to DNV GL, this will have a marked improvement on the air quality in the port and surrounding environment, cutting PPM, NOx, SOx, and reducing CO2 by using more efficient shore-based electricity.

“In combination with renewable energy sources, electrical supply can even result in zero emission operation for the duration of a vessel’s stay in port. Also, it frees the engines for maintenance, reduces wear and tear, and limit noise,” said DNV GL.

Jon Rysst, senior VP and DNV GL’s regional manager for North Europe, added: “There is an increasing awareness of the impact of shipping emissions in ports and this is driving investments in cold ironing. This is leading to ports both requiring and incentivizing the use of alternative maritime power (AMP).

“As access expands, alongside the rise of fully electric and hybrid vessels, cold ironing could soon become standard procedure in many ports around the world – with a noticeable positive impact on air quality.”