It’s Good News Monday!
This Monday we talk about:
Mocean Energy’s Wave Energy System Produces First Power at EMEC Test Site
Using retractable ‘wings’ to cut fuel consumption by 10%
Future-proofing: Cadeler to Replace Main Crane on Wind Osprey Jack-up
Rudder refits promise quick paybacks and improved efficiency
Autonomous Energy Plant ICCP-POD Launched
“Mocean Energy Blue X in operation at EMEC Scapa Flow wave energy test site, (photo Colin Keldie)”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
Mocean Energy has reportedly started testing the Blue X wave energy device in Scotland, with first power now generated. In the summer, the wave energy unit will be moved to Orkney’s west coast for full ocean conditions. In the new location, power will continue to be generated and compared to expected outputs. According to Mocean Energy Managing Director Cameron McNatt, “Longer-term, we think grid-scale machines will be able to tap into deep ocean waves to generate significant quantities of clean energy“. Next year, the device will work to power a subsea battery for a remotely operated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
“Wavefoils, shown here installed on the ferry Tesitin, retract into the ship’s hull vertically (source: Wavefoil)”. Image from Riviera.
Liegruppen AS of Norway has ordered a new vessel that may be the first with retractable bow foils for increased fuel efficiency. Salt Ship Design, the naval architect, says the foils reduce ship motion, decrease fuel consumption, and lower emissions. This will increase comfort for crew as well as enabling higher speeds in rough seas. Wavefoils are retracted vertically instead of horizontally, and have already shown a 10% fuel savings as well as increased stability. A patent has been awarded in the US.
“Credit: Cadeler”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
Cadeler, an offshore wind installation company, said it will be upgrading the main crane on the Wind Osprey jack-up with a larger unit. Last year, NOV upgraded the Wind Orca with an option to upgrade the Wind Osprey, which is now being called. The new crane will be large enough to install the next generation of wind turbines. Cadeler won the largest contract in its history in March to transport and install Siemens Gamesa 14MW SG 14-222 DD offshore wind turbines.
“One promising innovation is the gate rudder, which reduces drag and improves fuel consumption, helping to meet IMO EEXI regulations (source: Wärtsilä/Yamanaka Shipbuilding)”. Image from Riviera.
For ship owners looking to improve fuel efficiency and decrease emissions, retrofits are a cost-effective option. New rudder designs can save fuel, reduce motion, reduce wear, and help meet IMO’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXII) which goes into effect in 2023. The new gate rudder, developed in Japan has two high-lift rudder foils around the propeller, producing fuel savings of over 15% and reduced motion over the last three years of testing. It also makes the ship more maneuverable in ports. The payback period is only three years.
“(Image: Amphibious Energy, CORROSION)”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
There’s a new solution for energy production while building offshore wind turbines. ICCP-POD consists of two technologies. “The EnergyPod, developed by Amphibious Energy, is an easy-to-transport autonomous energy plant that uses sun, wind, batteries and intelligent electronics to provide sustainable energy during the 18-month construction of wind turbines, meaning diesel generators are no longer required.” It also produces an electric current that replaces anodes to reduce corrosion. The solution is a joint product of Amphibious Energy and CORROSION. “Over a 25-year period, CORROSION’s systems discharge approximately 1.5 million times less aluminum into the sea than traditional sacrificial anodes. The EnergyPod is also completely recyclable and can be reused several times over a period of 5 to 10 years.”
Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)