The future of offshore windfarm operations could see battery-powered crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and service operation vessels (SOVs) charged directly at sea, according to two new studies commissioned by leading green energy company ScottishPower Renewables (SPR).

The reports by MJR Power & Automation and Oasis Marine conclude that the electrification of offshore operations is both technically and operationally feasible, offering substantial environmental and economic benefits.

These studies are the culmination of a series of three commissioned by SPR to explore options for decarbonising and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from offshore windfarm activities. The findings indicate that both SOVs, which operate at sea for extended periods, and CTVs, used for windfarms closer to shore, can be effectively electrified. In both scenarios, windfarms would benefit from significant reductions in GHG emissions and substantial savings on fuel costs.

Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables' Managing Director for Offshore, commented: "These latest studies have the potential to help the industry take a step closer to a new era for offshore windfarm operations – not just here in the UK, but right across the globe." He added that the research offers valuable insight that "could help inform future windfarm operations as the country continues to build the green generation we need to meet the expected doubling of electricity demand."

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The MJR study specifically highlighted that electrical solutions are well-suited for offshore windfarm operations due to the possibility of regular charging at offshore energy production sites and shore-based quaysides. It also projected that electric operations and maintenance (O&M) vessels will become more cost-effective than their Marine Gas Oil (MGO) counterparts within the next few years. Paul Cairns, Managing Director of MJR Power & Automation, expressed pride in contributing to "accelerating the industry's journey to net zero."

The Oasis Marine study, focusing on electric CTVs supported by Oasis Power Buoys within the windfarm, identified significant potential savings. Based on a case study using three electric CTVs instead of diesel vessels, the study projected potential savings of 140,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and approximately £15m in fuel costs over a windfarm's anticipated 25-year lifespan. George Smith, Chief Technical Officer of Oasis Marine, confirmed that the study demonstrates the feasibility and strong benefits of using electric vessels for windfarm O&M.

These promising findings are being shared through the 'Operation Zero' initiative, launched at COP26 in Glasgow, which unites developers and supply chain companies committed to achieving zero-emission operations and maintenance vessels. Leo Hambro from the Operation Zero Steering Committee lauded the collaborative efforts, stating that such studies will "learn, innovate and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vessels and technologies to achieve a sustainable maritime future."