Two globally renowned companies in marine electrification, Volvo Penta and Danfoss’ Editron division, have worked together to power two of the United Kingdom’s first fully integrated hybrid electric crew transfer vessels (CTVs).
The two fully integrated hybrid electric crew transfer vessels (CTVs) have been in operation at an offshore wind farm, for a month and are already making a positive environmental impact.
Hybrid electric crew transfer vessels
A recent announcement from COP26 was the promise of £160 million in new funding, to support the building of floating offshore wind farms, in Scotland and Wales, in the United Kingdom. Although this is a significant win in the UK government’s commitment to quadruple offshore wind farm capacity, to 40 gigawatts, by 2030.
It also means that more CTVs will be needed to deliver supplies and transport workers, to the offshore sites and so reinforcing efforts, such as the Global Offshore Wind Alliance and other such creditable initiatives, to come out of COP26 will be vital.
vessels powered by Volvo Penta and Danfoss’ technology
Wind farm transfer company, MHO-Co is meeting this growing demand for transportation between shore and wind farms, in the greenest and most economically viable way. The company recently took delivery of two new hybrid vessels, to service its offshore customer, Ørsted’s Hornsea Project 2 offshore wind farm, located in the North Sea. The two vessels - MHO Asgard and MHO Apollo, are powered by combined technology from Volvo Penta and Danfoss Editron.
“Cross-industry collaboration is needed now more than ever, to take steps towards mitigating the negative impacts of climate change,” said Peter Granqvist, Chief Technology Officer, at Volvo Penta, adding “By working together, we’ve been able to begin to make real change with impressive fuel and emission savings, as well as more flexible operation for our customers.”
MHO Asgard and MHO Apollo vessels
The two-hybrid vessels have both been in operation for just over a month
The two-hybrid vessels have both been in operation for just over a month and have already logged over 330 engine hours between them in the field, as well as 1000 hours on their maiden voyage from China to the North Sea.
MHO Asgard and MHO Apollo vessels have ferried over 50 workers and numerous supplies to the Hornsea Two offshore wind farm, which is located approximately 89 km (55.3 miles) off the Yorkshire coast, in the United Kingdom.
Vessels equipped with Inboard Performance System (IPS)
The vessels, both equipped with Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), have already had an impressive environmental impact, offering fuel savings of 20.89% and reducing CO2 emissions by 20.96%, when compared to non-hybrid vessels, without IPS, in MHO-Co’s fleet.
Another major advantage of the hybrid vessels is the multiple power systems onboard, which Danfoss Editron and Volvo Penta have dubbed ‘the Power of Plenty’.
Multiple power systems onboard
“This new system gives us more flexibility and allows us to switch between engines and do maintenance, when it fits our schedule, without affecting the service to our customers,” explains Mik Henriksen, CEO of MHO-Co.
He adds, “We are also able to use just one small engine, when idling in the wind park, offering significant fuel saving and noise advantage, when in waiting position. I think we have the best system possible, with the technology that exists today.”
Danfoss Editron and Volvo Penta partnership
Danfoss Editron and Volvo Penta are offering a completely unique solution
Through their collaboration, Danfoss Editron and Volvo Penta are offering a completely unique solution, to the offshore wind industry.
By working closely together on the design, build and delivery of the vessels, the two companies have been able to provide a solution that allows the vessels to operate in zero-emissions electric mode, for up to eight hours, or combined with fuel propulsion, to achieve a maximum speed of approximately 24 knots.
Marine electrified propulsion solution
“In these hybrid crew transfer vessels, we are addressing marine electrified propulsion with one total system solution,” said Peter Granqvist.
“We’re proud to have pushed the limits of technology with Volvo Penta. MHO-Co now has access to the best technology and services from two of the leading companies that are offering marine electrification solutions to the global market,” said Kimmo Rauma, Vice President, Editron division, at Danfoss.