Danish shipping company MHO-Co has designed two new hybrid catamaran crew transfer vessels that when built will operate at Orsted’s 1400MW Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm off the east coast of England.
The 35-metre CTVs will use modern electric motors to save on weight, space and emissions, MHO-Co said.
The vessels’ newly developed Danfoss’ Editron hybrid propulsion systems are designed in a way which enables them to be adapted at a later stage to future eco-friendly power generating methods, such as hydrogen fuel cells or other technologies, it added.
MHO-Co has partnered on the work with Incat Crowther, which has knowledge of catamarans.
Both vessels are scheduled to be operational at Hornsea 2 in the summer of 2021.
MHO-Co chief executive and co-founder Mik Henriksen said: “Designing and building hybrid CTVs is a huge step in the environmental direction, and I am proud that we at MHO-Co have found partners who share our vision for sustainable development in the offshore industry.
“With these new vessels we still offer some of the largest and most reliable CTVs in the world, and they can be converted to future technologies.”
Incat Crowther Europe managing director Ed Dudson said: “MHO-Co always push the boundaries when it comes to new vessels in the Offshore Wind Industry.
“These new 35-metre vessels are no different. It’s great to be working with Mik and his team again on the latest project, which will really bring hybrid technology to the fore.”
Danfoss Editron marine business line director Erno Tenhunen said: “Our DC-grid hybrid propulsion technology is also revolutionary for the marine industry, as it is highly flexible and easy to manage.
“It is benefits such as these that are allowing ship owners and operators to benefit from lower costs and longer operational lifetimes, without compromising on customer experience.
Henriksen said: “The electric motors significantly reduce CO2 emission, which is an important factor.”
“In fact, with the new CTVs, it becomes possible when idling to eliminate discharge of particles.
“We already see that this is something which is noticed in the industry.
“As the first CTVs, it will also be possible to install a Z-bridge Bring-to-Work system on the front deck.
“This fully motion compensated offshore access system will allow safe transfer of teams up to persons and cargo, from the vessels deck to the offshore structure.
“This will eliminate climbing and will increase workability and improve the transfer time.”