Integrating battery-powered service operation vessels (E-SOVs) into offshore wind farm operations is not only technically feasible but could also deliver economic and operational benefits, according to a new study by ScottishPower Renewables and Stillstrom by Maersk.
The study is the first in a series of three commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to explore options for decarbonizing offshore operations and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The findings are being shared through the Operation Zero initiative, which gathers developers and supply chain companies around a joint aim to make zero-emission operations and maintenance vessels a reality.
Stillstrom, launched by Maersk Supply Service in 2022, is a provider of offshore charging solutions.
“Our collaboration with SPR highlights the potential of E-SOVs to fully decarbonise vessel operations in offshore wind farms, making them more sustainable and cost-effective. With our offshore charging solutions now commercially ready, we are excited to deliver practical systems that accelerate decarbonisation and enable a cleaner future for offshore operations”, said Kristian Borum Jorgensen, CEO of Stillstrom.
The study found the business case for E-SOVs is competitive with traditional marine gas oil-fueled vessels and cheaper than other decarbonized solutions like e-methanol.
Furthermore, E-SOVs, which can stay in zero-emission mode for up to 18-19 hours a day without charge, will almost entirely remove service vessel-related GHG emissions as E-SOVs are powered by clean power at an offshore wind farm, according to the report.
The report also says that charging E-SOVs at offshore wind farms offers greater control over fuel costs and reduces exposure to volatile fuel prices and geopolitical risks.
“By the end of the decade, our aim is to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions for our offshore projects by more than two-thirds and research like this demonstrates the potential to decarbonise marine operations, which could help achieve this ambition”, said Ross Ovens , ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for Offshore.
“The study with Stillstrom provides valuable learning on how this innovative technology could be integrated into offshore windfarms and shows the art of the possible. What we need to do now is consider what this means in practice and what that would look like in real-life. The report offers plenty of food for thought and it’s great to have the support of Operation Zero to share these findings, so we can all collectively work together towards a clean energy future.”