In a significant move towards bolstering operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact, SEACOR Marine Holdings Inc. (NYSE: SMHI) has announced its commitment to enhance four of its Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) with state-of-the-art energy storage systems from Kongsberg Maritime AS. The decision to acquire these cutting-edge energy storage systems aligns with SEACOR Marine’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of marine and support transportation services to offshore energy facilities worldwide.
The four PSVs included in the upgrade plan, namely the SEACOR Ohio, SEACOR Alps, SEACOR Andes, and SEACOR Atlas, will undergo installation of Kongsberg Maritime’s hybrid power solution, featuring a containerized Deckhouse Energy Storage System, associated switchboards, and thruster control systems. This upgrade, set to commence in December 2024 and conclude by the second quarter of 2025, will position more than 50% of SEACOR Marine’s PSV fleet as hybrid-powered.
Notably, these vessels will also be equipped with the Kongsberg Maritime UT771 CDL Design, further enhancing their capabilities for battery hybrid operation. Additionally, the upgrade will incorporate a new Kongsberg Maritime K-Pos Dynamic Positioning (DP) system to replace the existing DP system on all four vessels.
SEACOR Marine’s Chief Executive Officer, John Gellert, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, stating, “Our decision to expand our hybrid fleet aligns with SEACOR Marine’s core values of innovation and environmental stewardship and builds upon our record of leadership in adopting green technologies in the maritime sector. SEACOR Marine was one of the first offshore operators to install battery hybrid systems, and this announcement marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our fleet.”
“These energy storage systems are an investment in the sustainable future of our fleet and our ability to meet the offshore transportation requirements of our clients worldwide. We are excited to offer our clients additional hybrid PSVs that operate efficiently through reduced fuel consumption and related operating costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The installation of the energy storage systems will take place in Ulsteinvik, Norway, with Kongsberg Maritime also upgrading the UT771 CDL SEACOR Yangtze with the Deckhouse Energy Storage System starting February 2024.
James Poulton, Senior Vice President of Aftermarket Sales at Kongsberg Maritime, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “SEACOR Marine is one of the most experienced operators of hybrid battery power systems in the offshore market, and we are delighted they have again chosen to expand their fleet of hybrid PSVs with Kongsberg Maritime technology.
“We see that by installing battery power, fuel consumption in DP operation mode on these vessels can be reduced by as much as 20%. In addition to batteries, the conversion will also feature a shore connection, enabling connection to power grids when in port, which greatly reduces the amount of engine running hours and emissions from diesel fuels. The key benefit of having battery power instantly available is to maintain the redundancy of the vessels’ power system, with less engines running. This is particularly useful when operating in DP mode, but also has its value in other operational modes.”
