- Offshore charging for electric CTVs and SOVs is technically and operationally feasible, offering a path to decarbonized wind farm operations.
- Battery-powered vessels could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fuel costs over a wind farm’s lifetime.
- Oasis Power Buoy technology enables offshore charging while shielding operators from the volatile fuel markets.
- Industry leaders support the findings, which are being promoted through the Operation Zero initiative to improve zero-emission maritime operations.
Offshore charging for battery-powered crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and service operation vessels (SOVs) may become a key feature of future wind farm operations. A recent study commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables indicates the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of offshore activities. The report is part of a three-part series examining decarbonization strategies for wind farm support operations and confirms that battery-powered SOVs, which remain at sea for extended durations, present a technically viable solution.
Reducing Emissions and Costs with Battery-Powered CTVs
The study also explored the use of electric crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the wind farms located closer to shore, finding that their deployment is both technically and operationally feasible. In both nearshore and offshore scenarios, the adoption of electric vessels could deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits. These include a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a significant decrease in annual fuel costs.
According to findings from Oasis Marine, integrating electric CTVs supported by Oasis Power Buoys within the wind farm layout offers a practical alternative to diesel-powered vessels. This setup reduces reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and avoids the high costs associated with alternative green fuels. The case study, which examined the replacement of three diesel CTVs with electric counterparts, projected a reduction of approximately 140,000 tons of CO₂ over the wind farm’s 25-year lifespan, along with an estimated fuel cost saving of £15 million.
Industry Leaders Support Zero-Emission Offshore Operations
Ross Ovens, Managing Director for Offshore at ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized that the latest studies bring the offshore wind sector closer to adopting practical technologies that could transform operations globally. He highlighted the value of offshore charging—whether for SOV or CTV models—as a key consideration in future planning to meet the UK’s growing electricity demand through green energy.
George Smith, Chief Technical Officer at Oasis Marine, noted that the collaboration with ScottishPower Renewables demonstrated the technical and operational feasibility of deploying the Oasis Power Buoy as an offshore charging solution. Smith added that the report provides a strong overview of the current capabilities and future potential of offshore charging technology.
The findings are being shared through Operation Zero, an initiative launched at COP26 in Glasgow, which unites developers and supply chain stakeholders committed to enabling zero-emission offshore operations.
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Source: Oasis Marine Ltd
