Dutch heavy transport specialist Boskalis will convert numerous vessels within its offshore energy division into hybrid vessels by retrofitting them with energy storage systems.
The conversions will reduce the vessels’ fuel consumption and associated carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by an average of 20 percent. The systems also provide a power supply and energy storage facility while the vessels are docked and contribute to quieter and more efficient operations offshore.
The modifications, which will be completed over the next two years, will be carried out on the Bokalift 1 and Bokalift 2 crane vessels, two construction support vessels, and two diving support vessels, all of which have DP2 capabilities.
Reductions in emissions are, in part, dictated by the readiness and global availability of suitable alternatives to fossil fuels within the maritime industry. For this reason, as a member of a consortium, Boskalis is participating in a comprehensive, multi-year research programme to accelerate the use of methanol as an alternative fuel within the sector. “We continue to collaborate with our industry peers, knowledge institutions and other partners to develop the expertise and technology necessary for the industry to reach climate neutrality,” said the company.
