Dutch vessel design company OSD-IMT introduces a new SOV which is to fill the gap between (large) Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV’s) and big Service Operation Vessels (SOV’s). The base concept is Battery Hybrid but the company is also exploring methanol and other alternative fuel options.
Searching for a more cost effective solution in the ever evolving market of SOV’s, Dutch company OSD-IMT came up with a mini SOV design, the SD-IMT9604. With 51.40m in length, this mini SOV is to fill the gap between (large) CTV’s and the big SOV’s.
The design is based on OSD-IMT’s series of ERRV’s. It provides comfort for technicians and crew and offers wide operability. The vessel offers accommodation space for up to 24 technicians and a covered storage area for spare parts. It is equipped with a Z-bridge Bring-2-Work system, which can work both as a technicians transfer system and as a motion compensated crane. A battery hybrid power generation system driving the propulsion system make for a full-fledged DP2 SOV. For light weather conditions the daughter craft can be used to transfer up to 2 wind farm service crews.
Methanol option
OSD-IMT is developing a methanol fueled version of the OSD-IMT9604 to help further reduce emission of GHG’s and pollutants. This development takes place in close cooperation with the research department of Damen Shipyards.
Methanol produced from renewable sources is a so called e-fuel. The use of this methanol reduces the environmental footprint, especially the greenhouse gas emission, of a vessel considerably (50 to 90%, subject to the feedstock of the fuel), the company said.
In combination with the relatively high energy density it makes for an attractive use as a fuel on ships, creating a lower emission profile while maintaining a good range and endurance. Both aspects are of particular interest for the offshore wind market; SOV’s must be able to remain on station or in the field for a longer period of time, emitting as little as possible to the environment.
The application of methanol does impact the design of the vessel. Methanol is considered a low-flashpoint fuel and as such poses special requirements to a number of arrangements on board. Tanks must be fitted with cofferdams, spaces and ventilation associated with the methanol system must be designed to prevent exposure to ignition sources or even physical contact.
In the OSD-IMT development of the methanol fuelled mini-SOV, these considerations have been taken into account. The design is now being further developed to come to an AiP for the methanol system. Source: OSD-IMT
