The first Chinese-built hybrid-electric emergency rescue vessel can be fully powered by batteries for up to three hours of operations.
Successfully delivered to Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, the 78m long Shenhai 01 will be deployed to provide emergency responses at sea and carry out rescue operations. Its ability to operate solely on batteries is crucial for safe rescue operations in areas affected by hazardous gas.
“As the first China-designed and built emergency rescue vessel, Shenhai 01 is ranked among the top technologically advanced ships around the world,” said Xiubin Guo, deputy director general of MSA.
ABB energy management
In what is the first project between MSA and ABB Marine & Ports, Shenhai 01 is powered by ABB’s bridge-to-propeller technologies, including Azipod electric propulsion, energy storage system and automation and control solutions that help support sustainable operations and enhance safety and efficiency.
The power setup will be controlled by ABB’s integrated Power and Energy Management System (PEMS), which will optimise the energy use onboard. The system controls three sets of diesel generators and two sets of lithium batteries with total capacity of 1680kWh. The PEMS system supports zero-emission operations in the fully electric mode.
The vessel is powered by twin Azipod electric propulsion units with a combined power of 6MW. Azipod units can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency, with the ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
