It’s Good News Monday!
This Monday we talk about:
Kongsberg Maritime to Design, Equip Awind's New Offshore Wind Vessels
Electric propulsion - steering towards efficiency
US Explores Wind Energy Potential in Gulf of Mexico
Green Shipping Line Selects Designer for Jones Act Offshore Wind Feeder Vessels
Bureau Veritas Launches Digital Simulation Tool for Floating Wind
Offshore wind vessels. “Credit: Kongsberg Maritime. Image from Offshore Engineer.
“Norway's Kongsberg Maritime has secured contracts with China Merchant Heavy Industries (CMHI) to design and equip two construction service operation vessels (CSOV) for Awind AS.” The contract is worth approximately $30.2 million and delivery is scheduled for 2023. Kongsberg will provide much of the equipment on board such as magnetic azimuth thrusters and DP systems. The magnet electric motors for the thrusters will be mounted vertically for high efficiency and precise station keeping. Accommodations on board will be for up to 120 people.
“Fedorov (Danfoss Editron): ‘DC systems for electric hybrid propulsion offer big savings in fuel, space, power, weight and cabling” (source: Danfoss Editron)’”. Image from Riviera.
With advancing technology, the number of hybrid and electric vehicles has been growing fast. The number has almost doubled in the last four years from 168 to 330, with 191 more planned. Electrification costs continue to fall, making it easier to convert, saving space, power, and weight. Simulation has also helped to cut costs by testing systems before the hardware phase. Electricity also has the benefit of greater redundancy and has strong torque pull from zero RPM. As power increases and systems become more simplified, expect to see more hybrid and all-electric vessels. Check out more on Riviera Maritime Media’s webinar on Electric Propulsion in the original article.
Wind turbines. “© Fokke / Adobe Stock”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
The Biden administration is set to start examining the Gulf of Mexico for wind energy potential. “The Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will publish a Request for Interest (RFI) on June 11 to see if there is any interest in offshore wind development in the Outer Continental Shelf.” The area south of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi has some challenges for wind developers, such as hurricanes, soft soil, and lower wind speeds.
“Image shows a DEKC-designed offshore wind feeder vessel. Photo: Green Shipping Line”. Image from gCaptain.
Green Shipping Line, a US-based company, will be working with DEKC Maritime from Europe, for designing Jones Act compliant offshore wind shuttle vessels. The new design for GSL calls for a 364-foot vessel that will cut down on costs and construction by transporting components from shore to offshore wind farms. “The 364-ft vessels will be the first in the U.S. capable of transporting all components of a wind towers, and they can also be configured to perform rock dumping, scour protection, and offshore accommodation.” The big push for offshore wind in the United States will only be met with foreign-flagged wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs), necessitating these US-flagged shuttle vessels.
Floating wind turbine. “Credit: BV”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
Bureau Veritas launched Opera, a new digital simulation tool for floating wind turbines. They will be offering a complete modeling solution for all components of wind turbines. It calculates station-keeping and brings unique capabilities like load analysis and independent verification services. “According to BV, Opera offers an independent and fully integrated modeling solution that includes all components of a floating wind turbine, from mooring systems to blades.”
Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)