ABS to class first ‘tri-fueled’ vessel for Harvey Gulf

ABS has been selected to class two offshore supply vessels (OSVs) being retrofitted with a battery converter system by Harvey Gulf International Marine. The Harvey Energy will become the first ABS-classed dual fuel- and battery-powered vessel and the first USA-flagged OSV equipped with a battery converter system. The Harvey Supporter will become the second vessel in the Harvey Gulf fleet to have a battery power system. The battery installation, which is expected to achieve the ABS class notation ESS-LiBATTERY, will significantly enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of the vessel. The installation of a 1,450kW battery hybrid solution is anticipated to reduce the Harvey Energy’s exhaust emissions, fuel consumption, and noise level. The overall fuel cost savings are expected to be in the range of 10-20%, according to Harvey Gulf International. The battery capacity will be sufficient to sail in and out of harbor on electric power with fewer engines running, while also supplementing hotel load electricity when docked, which would reduce noise and pollution levels in the harbor area. Furthermore, the ability to operate on battery power will assist redundancy during critical dynamic positioning operations at the offshore platform. “ABS is proud to be involved in another project driving the sustainable development of the industry,” said Matt Tremblay, SVP, global offshore, ABS. “The project will effectively create tri-fueled vessels with significant potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.”