ABB and Seafjord Energy introduce e-bunker vessel concept
Swedish marine energy solution provider SeaFjord Energy has chosen ABB’s renewable battery pack propulsion solution to power its e-bunker vessel concept and offer a new way of supplying energy to ships at sea, in fjords or in port.
Renewable vessel design
The vessel concept was developed in collaboration with FKAB Marine Design and Bureau Veritas, a French company specializing in testing, inspection and certification. According to the partners, the large battery pack is capable of providing renewable energy where traditional shore power infrastructure is less accessible, such as remote fjords and offshore locations.
The e-bunker vessel can be charged through a shore connection or draw energy directly from a wind farm, using ABB’s charging system. ABB’s technology will be used for charging other vessels at sea, with the e-bunker designed to deliver up to 50mW of power to ships of different sizes, from small to large.
The vessel design has two ABB Dynafin propulsion units to maximize propulsion efficiency and responsiveness in all operational situations. ABB Dynafin propulsion’s combined motion of the wheel and blades generates propulsion and steering forces simultaneously, enabling operational efficiency and precision for ships. Additionally, the propulsors integrate with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power system platform, enhancing the vessel’s overall performance.
The Onboard DC Grid is a modular and customizable power system platform that enables simple, flexible and functional integration of energy sources and loads. Its versatility is well suited to meet the e-bunker’s operational requirements.
PEMS is the core of the vessel’s combined power and control system, ensuring optimal use of the vessel’s total power resources in a safe, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manner. ABB’s solution optimizes energy use and flow onboard, as well as toward the vessels bunkering from it.
Sustainable maritime operations
Marcus Högblom, head of passenger segment at ABB Marine and Ports, said, “ABB is excited to collaborate on this groundbreaking design. Our electric power and propulsion system enables maximal efficiency both for transmission and propulsion, which means that a larger part of the carried energy can be used by bunker customers,”
Elias Magnusson, chief operating officer of SeaFjord Energy, commented, “This is the world’s first e-bunker vessel that will provide electric power to ships in fjords, ports and offshore. This development is a significant step toward a more sustainable maritime sector.”
Herman Spilker, vice president of North Europe zone at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added, “We are pleased to support the development of this innovative e-bunker vessel, advancing sustainable maritime solutions while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.”
Andreas Hagberg, head of sales and marketing at FKAB Marine Design, concluded, “FKAB is glad and grateful to be part of this e-bunker design, and that we got the question from Seafjord Energy to take part from day one to develop their idea together. This project is the first-of-its-kind and perfectly in line with innovative projects that FKAB likes to take part in.”
In related news, ABB was recently awarded a contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to serve as the propulsion single source vendor (PSSV) for its five hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries. Click here to read the full story.
