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A new study by ScottishPower Renewables and Stillstrom by Maersk has concluded that servicing offshore wind farms with battery-powered, zero-emission vessels charged directly from the wind turbines is technically feasible and offers both economic and operational advantages.
The research, the first in a series of three commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables, explored the integration of battery-powered Service Operation Vessels (E-SOVs) into offshore wind farm operations. The study demonstrates that E-SOVs, capable of operating in zero-emission mode for up to 18-19 hours a day, offer a viable alternative to traditional fuel-powered vessels.
"By the end of the decade, our aim is to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions for our offshore projects by more than two-thirds and research like this demonstrates the potential to decarbonise marine operations, which could help achieve this ambition," said Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables' Managing Director for Offshore.
Key findings include the operational and economic viability of integrating offshore charging and E-SOVs, the competitive business case compared to traditional vessels and e-methanol solutions, and the potential for near-total elimination of service vessel-related greenhouse gas emissions.
"Our collaboration with SPR highlights the potential of E-SOVs to fully decarbonise vessel operations in offshore wind farms, making them more sustainable and cost-effective," added Kristian Borum Jorgensen, CEO of Stillstrom.
The study's findings are being shared through the Operation Zero initiative, launched at COP26, which promotes collaboration between developers and supply chain companies to develop zero-emission operations and maintenance vessels.
"It's great to see developers and the supply chain working together to develop the solutions and best practice that will be a game changer for the industry as a whole," said Nigel Quinn, Chair of the Operation Zero Steering Board.
"Through studies like this, we will be able to learn, innovate and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vessels and technologies to achieve a sustainable maritime future."
