Energy group Siemens has stressed the importance of the new wind-farm fleet having the lowest possible carbon footprint if charters are to be won.
Siemens Energy, which manufacturers ship systems, told TradeWinds that many companies want a piece of the growing offshore wind power market.
The company said low-emission vessels will also be more attractive to the large power companies that need the ships.
"The new service and installation vessels that the market needs in the future should switch to low-emission technology to reduce their emissions, save fuel costs, and stay attractive," a Siemens Energy spokesman said.
The company has been chosen to install a battery power system on a new series of wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) ordered in China by Arne Blystad's OHT.
"For us, it is crucial to be able to offer installations with as low emissions as possible," Ben Bjorke, chief executive of wind vessel charterer Siemens Gamesa, said.
"Therefore, installation vessels that can handle the next generation of wind turbines and at the same time reduce emissions will fulfil our goal of minimising the environmental impact of new development projects."
Siemens Energy said the OHT ships will also be ready for hydrogen power via fuel cells — when technology allows.
The company claims its hybrid propulsion can reduce emissions by up to 25%.
The WTIVs will be able to handle the new generation of 14MW wind turbines.
"The market currently lacks wind-installation vessels that can handle the new large turbines coming, which will be the new normal," Siemens Energy said.
Demand set to soar
According to Rystad Energy, demand for wind power will be four to five times higher in 2030 than it is today.
"OHT places a great deal of importance on leading in the adoption of environmentally-friendly solutions," Tony Millward, general manager of wind turbine installations at OHT, said.
"Our selection of the Siemens Energy solution confirms this. By minimising the carbon footprint of our vessels, we are able to contribute to our client’s carbon-reduction commitments whilst also offering potential cost savings’"
The first ship in the series is costing $230m. Three options are attached.
Energy storage included
The company also has one foundation installation ship contracted at China Merchants Heavy Industry, with three options.
OHT raised $60m as it listed on Oslo's Merkur Market in September last year.
The WTIVs will also be equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueVault energy-storage system.
This will absorb load fluctuations so that the diesel-driven generators will see a lower average load over time.
