A hybrid retrofit installation, featuring an energy storage solution from the technology group Wärtsilä, will significantly enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of the supply vessel (PSV) Harvey Energy.

The vessel, which is owned by Louisiana, USA based Harvey Gulf International Marine, is the first LNG fuelled – and will be the first hybrid retrofitted – PSV in the Americas. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in April 2019.

The installation of a Wärtsilä 1450 kW battery hybrid solution will reduce the ship’s exhaust emissions, fuel consumption, and noise level.

The overall fuel cost savings are expected to be in the range of 10 to 20 percent.

The battery capacity will be sufficient to sail in and out of harbour on electric power, while also providing hotel load electricity when docked, which will reduce noise and pollution levels in the harbor area.

Furthermore, the ability to operate on battery power will assist maneuvrability during critical dynamic positioning (DP) operations at the offshore platform.

Included in the solution are the Energy Storage System, the Energy Management System, the transformer and drive, all mounted within a single container.

The project will also include integration with the existing Wärtsilä Power Distribution, Power Management, and Integrated Automation Systems. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in December 2019.

Wärtsilä’s hybrid solutions are based on a ‘first-of-its kind’ fully integrated hybrid power module. This combines engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics optimised to work together through an innovative, Wärtsilä developed energy management system.

The solution marks a new benchmark in marine hybrid propulsion. While the ‘Harvey Energy’ will be the first PSV in the Americas to have a hybrid retrofit, Wärtsilä has already completed a number of hybrid retrofits for PSVs in Europe.