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Eidesvik Offshore ASA said it will be the first to deploy a methanol-fueled ship for offshore wind, expecting delivery 2026.
The so-called construction support vessel is a partnership with fellow Norwegian shipping company Agalas ASA and will be built at the Sefine Shipyard in Turkey.
“Equipped with methanol engines and a battery hybrid system the vessel will be the world’s most environmentally friendly vessel within its operating segments”, Eidesvik, which operates a global fleet providing commissioning and maintenance services to wind facilities, said in a recent news release.
The vessel, equipped to perform inspection, maintenance and repair, will have duel-fuel gensets capable of running on either methanol or marine gasoil. Methanol, which can be used as a fuel blending component or as an ingredient in the production of fuel components, has shown low emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particles according to the International Energy Agency.
“This groundbreaking design not only signifies a significant leap forward in environmental sustainability but also sets a new standard for the industry”, Eidesvik added.
The dual-fuel design can cut emissions by 70 percent compared to equivalent vessels, Agalas said in a separate announcement.
Gitte Gard Talmo, Eidesvik chief executive and president, said in a statement, “The versatile vessel is designed to meet the demands of both the oil & gas sector and the offshore wind industry”.
“This flexibility increases our capabilities and competitiveness in the future energy mix”, Talmo added.
Eidesvik noted demand for vessels in the subsea market “is about to outpace supply” and expects offshore wind projects to increase this decade.
Agalas chief executive Mats Nygaard Johnsen said, “Teaming up with Eidesvik on this opportunity allows us to combine the strengths of two Norwegian shipowners and create a world-leading vessel that integrates functionality, green technology, and highly skilled personnel”.
Eidesvik owns 50.1 percent of the joint venture for the vessel, while Agalas has the remaining share. The partners plan to commission four additional vessels for Eidsvik Agalas AS.
“The goal of the partnership is also to develop the Northern Norwegian offshore industry, creating new jobs”, Agalas said.
Last year AP Moller-Maersk A/S unveiled what it said is the world’s first vessel running on bio-methanol. The Danish company declared a “breakthrough” in the shipping industry when announcing the naming ceremony, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, September 14.
Laura, built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyards Co. Ltd., is a step toward Maersk’s plan of sailing entirely on green fuels as part of its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2040, the company said.
Moving closer to its target of carrying at least 25 percent of its ocean cargo capacity using green fuels by 2030 based on a 2020 baseline, Maersk has ordered 24 more methanol vessels for delivery between 2024 and 2027 and set “a policy to only order new, owned vessels that come with a green fuel option”, it said in a media release for the naming ceremony.
To contact the author, email jov.onsat@rigzone.com
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