The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is set to achieve another first after it classes its first “tri-fuel” vessel.
Under a contract with Harvey Gulf International Marine, ABS will class two offshore supply vessels (OSV) being retrofitted with a battery/converter system.
The installation of a 1,450 kW battery hybrid solution is anticipated to reduce the vessels’ exhaust emissions, fuel consumption, and noise level. The overall fuel cost savings are expected to be in the range of 10 to 20 percent, according to Harvey Gulf International.
ABS said the battery capacity would be sufficient to sail in and out of harbor on electric power with fewer engines running, while also supplementing hotel load electricity when docked, which would reduce noise and pollution levels in the harbor area.
“The project will effectively create tri-fueled vessels with significant potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions,” Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore, said.