Houlder and Blue Sea Power are to develop three floating LNG-to-power barges (FSRPs) to provide non-interconnected Greek islands with clean, low-emission baseload and peak power.
Planned to be operational by 2025, the FSRP barges will deliver green power to the islands of Kos, Chios and Lesvos when the existing renewable infrastructure consisting of solar and wind energy can no longer meet demand. The newly developed vessels will replace the current diesel and heavy fuel oil power generation infrastructure while meeting the EU taxonomy and newly introduced Greek climate legislation.
To improve the vessels’ sustainability credentials, the engines will be hydrogen production blend ready. As technology matures, the two companies aim to blend bio-LNG and renewable synthetic e-LNG in the supply chain to reduce GHG emissions further. To increase efficiency, the FSRPs will make use of cold energy recovery from LNG evaporation and use variable frequency drives to enhance the efficiency of the vessels’ motors.
Houlder is currently completing the design of the FSRPs to ensure they gain approval in principle from classification society Lloyd’s Register. During this period, Houlder will also support Blue Sea Power with the design package to secure suitable tenders from shipyards.
“The Blue Sea Power team has been a pleasure to work with and we are looking forward to the outcomes of this interesting project,” said Jonathan Strachan, ship design and engineering director at Houlder. “Floating LNG power barges are greener than traditional power generation infrastructure and, with novel integrated design and engineering developments, we can make energy production even more efficient and sustainable.”
“We are pleased to be undertaking this innovative floating power solution project with Houlder,” commented Konstantinos Mitropoulos, a founding partner of Blue Sea Power. “We have obtained electricity production licenses from the regulator for Kos, Chios and Lesvos and we have developed a strong approach to provide all three islands with greener, lower-emission power.”
Mark Graham, director of projects at Blue Sea Power, added, “While the FSRP integrated power barge is a solution that may appear novel in its approach, the power barge utilizes proven tried and tested equipment to reduce associated design and construction risks. The FSRP near-shore solution along with its modular design and shipyard construction also presents many repeatability benefit opportunities on capex, opex and construction schedule savings.”