Orsted and ESVAGT have signed an agreement for a sister vessel to the world’s first methanol-powered service operation vessel (SOV).
The second SOV will be ready for launch in 2026, where it will operate out of Orsted’s UK East Coast Hub on a 10-year contract.
The new SOV will be powered by dual fuel engines, capable of sailing on renewable e-methanol produced from renewable energy and biogenic carbon, which will lead to a yearly carbon emissions reduction of approx. 4,500 tonnes, Orsted said.
Orsted has taken the final investment decision on a renewable e-methanol facility, FlagshipONE in Sweden, and Orsted expects to supply its own methanol for both of the SOVs.
Several other maritime companies have placed orders on methanol-powered vessels, demonstrating that the demand for green fuels is materialising rapidly, Orsted added.
An offshore wind farm already has 99% lower emissions than a coal-fired power station seen over the entire lifetime of the asset, including production, construction, and installation.
Orsted targets to become carbon-neutral in its energy generation and own operations by 2025, and the additional, second green fuel SOV will build on that, as Orsted works towards its science-based target of reaching net-zero emissions across the full value chain by 2040.
Mark Porter, head of operations for Europe at Orsted, said: “As the world leader in offshore wind, Orsted will continue to look for the best green alternatives to fossil fuels.
“E-methanol is a strong match for our SOVs, and we’re very pleased that we, along with ESVAGT, will soon welcome the second methanol-powered vessel to our fleet.”
Søren Karas, chief strategy & commercial officer at ESVAGT, added: “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with Orsted on this ground-breaking operation.
“As a global market leader in marine services for offshore wind, ESVAGT is deeply committed to continuously innovating to deliver lower emission solutions. We are looking forward to bringing the first methanol powered SOVs to the market.”