Kongsberg Maritime delivers environmental technology to new vessels
Cluster member Kongsberg Maritime is delivering Thruster technology to two new vessels for offshore wind. The technology will help the vessels operate with the least possible use of energy in long-term offshore assignments.
The vessels will use electrical propulsion with permanent magnet-driven (PM) thrusters developed at KONGSBERG’s plant in Ulsteinvik. PM thrusters contribute to better maneuverability, reduced noise on board the vessel and in the sea, as well as higher propulsion efficiency. The latter means reduced energy consumption and lower environmental emissions.
The new shipping company Norwind Offshore is receiving the technology. The vessels are designed and being built by VARD. The vessels are Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOVs), a type of ship aimed specifically at start-up and service in the growing market for offshore wind, it is stated in the press release.
Second contract
This is the second contract of this size for PM thrusters for the offshore wind market in a short time for Kongsberg Maritime. Rem offshore, also on the customer list, is already under construction at VARD.
– Both of these customers have ambitions in the offshore wind market and choose solutions where environmental considerations and long-term commitment go hand in hand. The fact that two shipping companies in Sunnmøre are investing in PM technology is also important for our further investment, says Ottar Ristesund, SVP Sales Propulsion & Engines in Kongsberg Maritime, to Skipsrevyen.
Investing in the future
– We invest in this technology in the safe assurance that it will pay off in the long run. Our operating costs are significantly reduced compared to if we had installed conventional thrusters and the same happens with the environmental footprint. It gives us ships that are designed for future advanced maritime operations related to offshore offshore wind farms, says CEO Svein Leon Aure in Norwind Offshore in the press release.
Norwind Offshore will receive a package with two PM main propellers and two PM tunnel thrusters as per new vessels. In addition, the order includes one swing-up thruster per ship. The first of the two new vessels of VARD 4 19 design is scheduled to be delivered from VARD in the second quarter of 2023, the second in the third quarter of 2024. The yard has an option to build two more vessels of the same design.