A new fast crew supply (FCS) vessel, named the FCS 7011, will be fitted with a Danfoss Editron electric drivetrain.
Selected by designer Damen Shipyards as the propulsion system provider, Danfoss will supply the 74m-long ship with a hybrid-electric marine system consisting of DC distribution boards running around 700V DC, four shaft generators and an Editron load and control system.
In addition, the FCS vessel will benefit from propulsion from four main engines that, through a gearbox, will drive the Hamilton HT900 waterjets and the Danfoss Editron shaft generators. This will improve fuel consumption and passenger comfort due to lower levels of noise and vibration. When servicing large platforms up to 150 nautical miles offshore, the 122-passenger capacity ship will be able to achieve speeds of up to 40kts.
Furthermore, when operating in dynamic positioning, the vessel’s system can optimize the power needed while performing load requests. It can also detect how much charge is left in the electric system to ensure the least amount of fuel is used.
The FCS 7011 recently completed sea trials in Turkey and will be utilized by energy companies for the high-speed transport of crew and light cargo to and from offshore locations. With a high top speed, the vessel is expected to rival the efficiency of helicopters used for the same movement of personnel.
“Our compact and lightweight hybrid-electric technology is perfectly optimized for FCS vessels, which need to transport a high number of personnel and cargo in a limited space,” commented Erno Tenhunen, marine director at Danfoss Editron. “We’re delighted to see shipyards turning to hybrid-electric solutions for vessels covering large distances. Our Editron system guarantees the highest efficiency, adding value to hybrid operations by reducing costs and fuel consumption.”
Operational testing of the ship will begin in the North Sea toward the end of 2021 as proof of principle; commercial testing is expected to begin in the first part of 2022.
“We’re entering a new era of offshore personnel transportation, with an increased demand for safer vessels with greater cost efficiency,” explained David Stibbe, director of business development and market intelligence at Damen Shipyards. “We were impressed by Danfoss Editron’s credentials as well as its high-performance, lightweight electrical systems, two important benefits that enable our vessel to travel at high speeds. We’re looking forward to the first operational testing of the vessel beginning in the North Sea later this year.”