Ocean Charger Tested for Sustainable Charging of Electric Service Operation Vessels

Seaonics, a Norwegian lifting and handling specialist, recently tested its Ocean Charger solution on an electric service operation vessel (SOV). The high-voltage charging tests were conducted on Rem Offshore’s diesel-electric hybrid construction SOV, REM Power. The tests included charging the batteries in port and offshore from a charging point mounted on a wind turbine. According to Bjørnar Huse, Sales Manager at Seaonics, the Ocean Charger prototype successfully demonstrated the feasibility of installing the system on an existing turbine and charging an SOV using 11 kilovolt (KV) current delivering 6MW of charge.

The Ocean Charger’s solution aims to connect vessels to the power grid in wind farms and charge batteries regularly, reducing the need to return to port for charging. This move towards sustainable operations without additional energy sources is cost-effective, as it lowers operating costs for electric SOVs compared to diesel and alternative fuels. The system can potentially charge a large 60-person SOV for a full day’s operation in three to four hours, while maintaining the battery pack’s lifetime by avoiding complete depletion or full charging.

Discussions are underway with wind park owners regarding charging current requirements, with a focus on using 11KV for offshore charging. The Ocean Charger was developed by a consortium led by Vard Design and sister companies Seaonics and Vard Electro, along with various partners. The system’s design includes an automated handling system for connecting the vessel to the charging point, ensuring safety and efficiency during the charging process. Customization for specific wind parks and vessels may take a few months, with the goal of providing a cost-effective and sustainable charging solution for the maritime industry.

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