A semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) has successfully completed its first project aided by a robust electric power and propulsion system.
Heerema Marine Contractors’ Sleipnir is the world’s largest crane vessel, with two 10,000t revolving cranes. The vessel carried out the installation of the topsides of the Leviathan development in the Mediterranean, a world record lift. GE was chosen to provide the electrical part of the power and propulsion system including 12 sets of 8MW generators, eight units of 5.5MW propulsion motors, medium-voltage switchboards, transformers, MV7000 drives and the Visor remote monitoring and diagnostics system.
“In addition to the long-term electrical expertise we have in the offshore industry, one of our key strengths lies in our capability of system integration which allows us to create more efficient systems, deliver additional value to our customers and help them maintain fleets with long-term technological advantage and competitiveness in the industry,” said Andy Cooper, managing director of GE’s Power Conversion business UK.
The 220m long and 102m wide Sleipnir is the world’s first crane vessel with dual-fuel engines running on either MGO or LNG. Coupled with GE’s electric propulsion system, the vessel will see lower emissions when on operations. GE’s power package will also generate and distribute electricity to power the vessel’s entire onboard systems.
GE’s solution has advanced sensors built in to help operators monitor the health of each piece of equipment in real time and signal possible malfunctions, helping to minimise downtime and increase availability.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
