Battery hybrid conversion
Ulstein has won a battery hybrid conversion contract for two vessels.
ESVAGT and Ulstein have signed a contract for the conversion of two Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) to ERRV battery hybrid vessels.
Originally built at Ulstein Verft, the two PSVs Hermit Fighter and Hermit Prosper will undergo conversion to Emergency Response Rescue Vessels (ERRV) and battery power at Ulstein Verft. The green transformation to hybrid propulsion will be conducted by Ulstein Power & Control.
“We are looking forward to modifying two competitive PSVs into suitable and fuel-efficient ERRV vessels,” said Ove Dimmen, sales manager at Ulstein Verft. ”This “mid-life” upgrade of vessel systems is an important milestone in order to make the existing fleet more fuel efficient.”
The scope of work by Ulstein includes project management, procurement, engineering, production and power & control deliveries. A battery deck house with grid support unit for hybrid power will be prepared, the methanol tanks will be rebuilt to carry liquids under the OSV Chemical Code, and on the main deck new prefabricated deck houses will be installed accommodating rescue zones, and new ESVAGT type Fast Rescue Boats.
Rolf Ottar Rovde, sales manager at Ulstein Power & Control, said the division’s work will include “the power and automation system for the battery package, frequency converter, drives and switchboard reconstruction as well as installation and commissioning.”
The engineering work at Ulstein has commenced and both vessels are due to arrive at the Ulstein Verft shipyard in October, where they are scheduled to stay for six weeks. The final installation and commissioning of the hybrid system will be carried out during spring 2022.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
