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The Debut of the Electric SOV: Harnessing Offshore Winds for a New Era

Latest updated: Dec 01, 2023

The Debut of the Electric SOV Harnessing Offshore Winds for a New Era NEWARE


In an unprecedented move, a Dutch shipbuilder has unveiled the world's inaugural electric Service Operations Vessel (SOV), revolutionizing offshore charging. Damen Shipyards Group introduced the SOV 7017 Electric at the esteemed Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2023 in Amsterdam. Boasting dimensions of 70 meters in length and 17 meters in width, this vessel stands as the largest fully electric SOV crafted for maintenance, adorned with 60 crew cabins, 40 technician stations, and versatile storage and workshops.

 

The SOV 7017 presents two lithium iron phosphate battery configurations: a 15 MWh system for entirely electric operations or a 10 MWh system for 75% electric operations. In cases where electricity access proves challenging, the vessel seamlessly transitions to diesel propulsion for emergency backup. Damen, however, maintains unwavering commitment to eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels for the SOV 7017.

 

This pioneering vessel possesses a distinctive capability – direct connection to an offshore wind turbine for charging. Leveraging existing offshore infrastructure negates the necessity for redesigns or additions to the offshore wind farm components. Damen collaborated with the UK's visionary marine electrical engineering firm, MJR Power & Automation, to birth a cutting-edge 4 MW charger connector and a motion-compensated gangway system that elegantly links the vessel to wind turbines.

 

Charging unfolds during the vessel's low-power "green" DP mode, and a solitary turbine can replenish the SOV 7017 within mere hours. Mirroring the trajectory of electric vehicles, the abandonment of diesel ushers in significant long-term cost savings for the SOV 7017.

 

Paul Cairns, the sagacious Managing Director at MJR, emphasizes the practicality of offshore asset charging, heralding its capacity to reduce costs and emissions while optimizing efficiency, all without jeopardizing personnel or infrastructure.

 

Damen, a global juggernaut spanning 120 countries, stands ready for commercial deployment, actively seeking symbiotic collaborations with wind developers and vessel operators.


Photo: Damen Shipyards Group




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