P&O Maritime Logistics plans cable lay vessel conversion

WITH AN EYE on the offshore wind market, Dubai-based DP World company P&O Maritime Logistics plans to convert one of its Multi-Carrying Vessels (MCVs) into a cable lay vessel (CLV). Set to start operations in the third quarter of 2024, the converted vessel will be equipped with a state-of-the-art battery system, as well as a low fuel consumption propulsion layout arranged for green methanol fuel.

The MCVs were built by Fincantieri’s Vard subsidiary and delivered between 2017 and 2018 to Topaz Energy and Marine, prior to its acquisition by DP World in 2019. They were originally designated as “module carriers” and built to serve the Tengiz oilfield in the northeast of the Caspian, carrying high deck loads of up to 1,800 tons.

P&O Maritime Logistics says the new CLV will give its customers the ability to connect offshore structures and bring offshore energy onshore by installing export and inner array cables across vast distances. It anticipates that one of the main uses of the vessel will be to connect offshore wind farms with the mainland.

“The conversion of our vessel is a real step change,” said Martin Helweg, CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics. “It means that, apart from expanding our existing services and products into a more specialized offering, we can also make a positive contribution to the decarbonization of our industry. One way of doing this is by using alternative energy to power the converted vessel. The other important contribution is that the cable laying vessel will predominately support the construction, development, and maintenance of existing and prospective wind farms. Lastly, and by repurposing an existing vessel, we are able to extend the lifetime of this particular product quite significantly to keep up with the increasing demand in the sector.”

The conversion is being made with the support of Netherlands-based C-Job Naval Architects.

“We are pleased to support P&O Maritime Logistics with the design of a cable-laying vessel by repurposing an existing module carrier vessel,” said C-Job project manager Marc van der Zwaluw. “With the increasing demand in the offshore wind sector, this vessel will be able to meet the operational demands for the installation of next-generation windmill infrastructure thanks to its optimized deck layout.

“Furthermore, in close cooperation with P&O Maritime Logistics, we were able to create a design that was best suited to their operational profile. The design focused on optimized vessel performance and features a DP-2 positioning system and a low fuel consumption propulsion layout that is ready for green methanol fuel and zero-emission operations.”

As a cable lay vessel, the newly converted vessel will have the ability to host up to 64 seafarers and will feature a single basket cable carousel with an outside diameter of 24 meters. With this impressive span, a core height of 5.5 meters, as well as a 30 tons SWL AHC subsea crane, the newly converted vessel is seen by P&O Maritime Logistics as a testament to its commitment to adapt its portfolio for future energy needs.

Berge Bulk in industry-first shaft generator retrofit

WÄRTSILÄ has successfully retrofitted an inline shaft generator system on the Berge Toubkal, a 2017-built, 210,000 dwt capesize bulk carrier owned by Singapore-based Berge Bulk. This is the marine industry’s first-ever shaft generator retrofit, and its successful completion will improve the vessel’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) rating while reducing its overall carbon footprint.

Shaft generator systems onboard ships are driven by the main engine to supply power to the mains, thus saving fuel and emissions. They are sized to eliminate the need to operate auxiliary engines while at sea. While such systems, also referred to as Power Take-Off (PTO) systems, are today’s standard installations on newbuild vessels, large inline versions with the generator sitting directly on the propeller shaft and turning at 50 to 100 rpm have never been retrofitted.

“Berge Bulk made an industry commitment to go carbon neutral well before the IMO’s plan, and we are installing now the latest fuel-saving technologies, like shaft generators, air lubrication, or wind propulsion on our vessels,” says Paolo Tonon, Berge Bulk’s technical director, “Wärtsilä has a proven track record and is one of the market leaders in shaft generator systems and electrical integration.”

“Berge Bulk is one of the front runners in shipping’s transition to decarbonized operations, and we are proud to support them in this. Wärtsilä is actively working on the development of new technologies that can be integrated into existing vessel systems to make their operations cleaner and more economical,” says Torsten

The retrofitted shaft generator will also provide power to an air lubrication system that was installed at the same time. The system includes a Wärtsilä control system, as well as a converter to allow the generator to operate over a broad span of rpm. The existing intermediate shaft and bearings were replaced to accommodate the increased weight. Wärtsilä has successfully delivered more than 650 shaft generator systems and has over 50 years of experience in this field.

The Berge Toubkal retrofit was completed in fourth quarter 2022, following ten months of preparation.

ABS verifies game changing non-flammable battery technology

ABS HAS ISSUED its New Technology Qualification (NTQ) for a groundbreaking, non-flammable battery technology for use at sea. Called Blue G, the state-of-theart vanadium redox flow battery system from Singapore’s Gennal Engineering Pte Ltd is now planned to move into prototype testing later this year.

The Blue G battery is comprised of a water-based electrolyte solution, storage tank, stack cell and regulating pump. The process of charging and discharging energy does not produce excess heat – a unique feature of the system.

“Vanadium redox technology is a potential game changer in the application of batteries at sea,” said Gareth Burton, ABS vice president, technology. “It has the advantages of a long lifespan, greatly improved energy capacity and an improved safety profile as a non-flammable product. This technology is one that has the potential to accelerate the energy transition in the maritime industry, supporting global decarbonization goals.”

Gennal says advantages of its system including scalability and a longer lifespan— more than 25 years, which is double that of a typical lithium-ion battery. Gennal also emphasizes the battery design’s recyclable feature showing that the vanadium electrolyte is easily extracted and recycled when the Blue G battery is decommissioned.

“We are glad to be partnering with ABS in achieving this qualification for Blue G. It reflects the confidence ABS has in Gennal in helping the industry to accelerate forward toward marine decarbonization,” said Alex Peck, director of Gennal Engineering.

The Blue G battery system is a key component of a next generation green OSV being developed with ABS support by a strategic partnership that includes three Malaysian shipbuilding and ship repair companies in Malaysia: Grade One Marine Shipyard; Muhibbah Marine Engineering; and Shin Yang Shipyard.