Danfoss Editron, part of Danfoss, has been chosen by Damen Shipyards to provide the electric drivetrain system, powering the shipyard’s newest Fast Crew Supply (FCS) vessel. Known as the FCS 7011, the vessel will represent a leap forward, in terms of speed, comfort and efficiency of FCS vessels.
The FCS 7011 vessel, which recently completed sea trials in Turkey, will be used by the offshore energy market, for the high-speed transit of personnel and light cargo, to and from offshore locations.
FCS 7011 vessel
The FCS 7011 vessel is expected to become the first crew boat, which is capable of competing with helicopters, to transfer crew and materials, with minimum loss of time and increased comfort, and safety. The vessel’s first operational testing will take place, later in 2021, in the North Sea, as proof of principle, marking the first step towards global commercialisation. The team expects commercial testing to begin in the first quarter of 2022.
Designed by Damen Shipyards, the 74 m, slender vessel will be able to carry 122 passengers, at speeds of up to 40 knots, servicing large platforms, which are located up to 150 nautical miles offshore. Comfort-enhancing features include a gyroscope, minimised rolling and a dedicated Ampelmann gangway that provides safe access to platforms, in a broad weather window.
Hybrid-electric marine system
Danfoss Editron’s hybrid-electric marine system comprises DC distribution boards
Danfoss Editron’s hybrid-electric marine system comprises DC distribution boards, which run at a nominal voltage of 700 VDC, four shaft generators and an EDITRON load and control system. To further enhance passengers’ safety and comfort, and lower fuel consumption, the FCS vessel will be propelled by four main engines which, through a gearbox, will drive the Hamilton HT9000 water jets and the Danfoss’ Editron shaft generators.
This vessel’s solution will increase propulsion efficiency while reducing vibrations and noise levels. When operating in a dynamic positioning, the system can optimise the power needed while performing load requests. It can also detect the amount of charge left in the electric system, so the amount of fuel used is kept to a minimum.
EDITRON load and control system
Erno Tenhunen, Marine Director at Danfoss Editron, said “Our compact and lightweight hybrid-electric technology is perfectly optimised for FCS vessels, which need to transport a high number of personnel and cargo, in a limited space. We’re delighted to see shipyards turning to hybrid-electric solutions, for vessels covering large distances. Our EDITRON system guarantees the highest efficiency, adding value to hybrid operations, by reducing costs and fuel consumption.”
David Stibbe, Director of Business Development and Market Intelligence at Damen Shipyards, stated “We’re entering a new era of offshore personnel transportation, with an increased demand for safer vessels, with greater cost-efficiency. We were impressed by Danfoss Editron’s credentials, as well as its high-performance, light-weight electrical systems, two important benefits that enable our vessel to travel at high speeds. We’re looking forward to the first operational testing of the vessel, beginning in the North Sea, later this year.”
