Siem Offshore Rederi’s Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), the Siem Pride, is to be upgraded by Wärtsilä for hybrid engine and battery propulsion.
As part of the upgrade Wartsila will install one of its HY Modules onto the deck of the 89m-long vessel. The containerized solution is designed to act as the brain for the new installation and will enable interaction with existing onboard systems. The installation will be connected to the vessel’s existing 690V main switchboard. When in operation, the engines will be able to run at up to 95% maximum continuous rating (MCR) without risk of overloading or blackouts.
Wartsila’s supply agreement consists of the new hybrid drive, the energy management system, a transformer, batteries and a switchboard modification. The ship’s design will be modified for the new equipment, and at the same time, upgrades will be made to the dynamic-positioning system.
At present the PSV operates using two Wärtsilä 34DF and two Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines, working in partnership with Wartsila’s complete electrical package that includes its integrated automation and power management systems and also the Low Loss Concept power distribution system. This results in the vessel benefiting from a higher efficiency, a lower weight and volume and a high system redundancy.
On completion of the upgrade, Siem Offshore’s vessel will be able to run on a reduced number of engines during operations, resulting in a lower energy and fuel consumption. Finalization of the project is expected in April 2022.
“Decarbonizing our operations is central to our strategy going forward, which is why we have taken this important step to convert the ‘Siem Pride’ for hybrid propulsion,” said Jon August Houge, operations manager, Siem Offshore. “Wärtsilä has industry-leading experience and expertise in this field, and their upgrade solution will deliver considerable added value to the vessel’s performance.”
“We have worked closely with Siem Offshore for more than 10 years, and are excited at this possibility to further reduce the carbon footprint of their fleet,” commented Steven Gavshon, general manager, projects and operations, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “When operating on electric power, there will be obvious savings in fuel costs and emissions. Furthermore, when in use, the ship’s engines may operate more on LNG, which further enhances the ship’s environmental sustainability.”