Ulstein to commence ERRC battery hybrid refits

Offshore support contractor Esvagt and ship builder Ulstein have signed a contract for the conversion of two platform supply vessels (PSV) to battery hybrid propulsion. The two PSVs, Hermit Fighter and Hermit Prosper, will undergo conversion to emergency response rescue vessels (ERRV) and battery power at the Ulstein Verft yard, which originally built the vessels.

The scope of work, says Ulstein, includes project management, procurement, engineering, production, and power and control deliveries. A battery deck house with grid support unit for hybrid power will be prepared and the methanol tanks will be rebuilt to carry liquids under the OSV Chemical Code. On the main deck, new prefabricated deck houses will be installed to accommodate rescue zones and new Esvagt type fast rescue boats.

“This is indeed a highly important project for Esvagt, and we therefore appreciate the contracts with Ulstein Verft and Ulstein Power & Control for optimization of functionalities and improved energy and emission efficiencies of these high-quality X-BOW vessels,” said CEO of Esvagt, Kristian Ole Jakobsen.

Both vessels are scheduled to stay at Ulstein Verft for six weeks, starting in October. The final installation and commissioning of the hybrid system will be completed in spring 2022 and in line with the vessels’ operational schedules.

“This is an important contract for Ulstein. We will prepare these vessels with a greener propulsion setup, which includes battery powering,” commented Rolf Ottar Rovde, sales manager at Ulstein Power & Control, “These upgrades will reduce fuel consumption and emissions and prolong the lifetime of the diesel engines. Ulstein Power & Control delivered the power and automation solutions to the vessels as new-builds. Our delivery now includes the power and automation system for the battery package, frequency converter, drives and switchboard reconstruction as well as installation and commissioning,” he concluded.