It’s Good News Monday!
This Monday we talk about:
Substation on the seabed could reduce floating wind costs
Ocean Infinity Buys Abyssal
Self-erecting nacelle installation and service system successfully tested
bp and Pure Planet form tech partnership, enabling energy consumers to make smart home and mobility choices
Innovations behind Covid-friendly flooring for cruise ships
IMO to lay foundations for autonomous shipping
“Large-scale floating wind projects far from shore will require innovative transmission system technology (source: Equinor)”. Image from Riviera.
The technology from oil and gas subsea projects could be used for offshore wind “float out and sink” subsea stations. Since floating substations are exposed to the elements and extreme weather, locating them on the seabed could reduce cost and risk. As more equipment has been installed on the seabed in recent years, it has been found to operate reliably. For far offshore wind farms, transmission of power can be half the cost of the wind farm, so finding more cost effective ways to deliver power is a top priority. Reduced movement, the use of static instead of dynamic cables, and easier installation are all benefits. This solution would require some new cable technology and research, but standardization of a subsea station could provide big cost and maintenance benefits for future wind farms.
“File image: Abyssal”. Image from Offshore Engineer.
“Ocean Infinity, marine robotics and offshore survey company, has acquired Portugal-based software engineering specialists, Abyssal.” Abyssal is a software development company working toward improving safety and efficiency in subsea operations for the offshore industry. Abyssal has a cloud platform, digital twinning, 3D visualization, and synthetic environments, and works with some of the biggest offshore companies. All 38 employees will move over to Ocean Infinity as they continue to push the boundaries of technology.
“SENSEWind says SENSE can be used for onshore and offshore turbines, in deep water and far offshore”. Image from Riviera.
SENSEWind’s new SENSE Up-Tower system is a self-erecting and service system for offshore wind turbines. It could eliminate the need for cranes and conventional offshore installation vessels while making installs faster, cheaper, and safer. The cost reduction for energy could be as much as 12%. The system automates heavy lifting and provides a way to quickly swap parts as well as complete rotor nacelle assemblies, while making inspection, repair, and maintenance faster. The system has already been tested successfully on a 26 meter system in Northern Ireland.
Image from bp.
bp is partnering with 100% renewable energy supplier Pure Planet to create a new digital energy service. According to bp: “The new digital service brings smarter control of renewable home energy, electric vehicles, batteries, smart heating and solar power, as well as carbon-offsetting options, onto one easy-to-use consumer platform.” It is expected to launch next month. The goal is to help people better manage their energy usage with stats on energy consumption, CO2 emissions, EV information, and even information on connected gas and diesel vehicles. This new partnership builds on an existing relationship and investment in Pure Planet.
“Jacco van Overbeek (Bolidt): “Carpets hold bacteria and dirt. We could install our flooring first and have the carpet installed on top” (source: Bolidt)”. Image From Riviera.
Bolidt, a Dutch company, is working on antimicrobial and hygienic flooring for cruise ships to help fight COVID-19 and other viruses. They are working on an antibacterial coating that can be used indoors where transmission of viruses is most common. The coating was originally developed for the medical sector, but after the pandemic has been shifted to be used on ships. Carpet can even be installed on top of the flooring, and removed later if needed. They are also working on sensing flooring that can provide LED-based feedback or provide alerts to crew if too many people are in one area. There is a cleaning program that covers everything the cruise operator might need, all eco-friendly. It does not negatively impact the properties of the decking, including anti-slip capability. They expect to complete 11 drydock projects by the end of 2021.
“Asko vessel will be autonomous in Norway (source: Asko)”. Image from Riviera.
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is meeting to consider amendments for enabling Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Over the course of a week, the committee will cover regulations relating to trials of autonomous vessels, safety for seafarers, maritime security, both cyber and physical, and fuel safety. The pandemic delayed the discussion of MASS for a year, but they do not expect to make recommendations yet.
Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)