A study by ScottishPower Renewables and Stillstrom by Maersk has concluded that battery-powered, zero-emission vessels could service offshore wind farms, charging directly from the wind turbines. 

The study, the first in a series exploring decarbonising offshore operations, focused on integrating battery-powered Service Operation Vessels (E-SOVs) into offshore wind farm operations. 

Key findings include:

• Integration of offshore charging and E-SOVs is technically, operationally, and economically viable. 

• E-SOVs can operate in zero-emission mode for 18-19 hours daily without recharging, significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

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• E-SOVs are competitive with traditional marine gas oil-fueled vessels and cheaper than e-methanol alternatives. 

• Operating E-SOVs in wind farms virtually eliminates service vessel-related GHG emissions.

• Wind farms can provide the necessary grid infrastructure for E-SOV charging, offering control over fuel costs and reducing risks from volatile fuel prices.

"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.

"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," said Kristian Borum Jorgensen, CEO of Stillstrom.

"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.