US naval architecture practice Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) has designed a harbour power and charging barge, which is intended to provide ports and harbours with a cost-conscious and high-performing option to minimise emissions from large vessels pier-side and at anchor.
Delivering 7MW of continuous power generated by methanol, the floating mobile platform is capable of cold ironing demanding vessels at the pier and at anchor for up to two weeks before refuelling. In addition, it offers double duty as an ‘in-field’ DC charging station for electric harbour tugs and other smaller service vessels. An independent ultra-low emission and nearly silent 1MW system with 10MWh of reserve capacity continuously replenishes its reserve to provide fast charging capacity on demand directly in the operating field of the vessels it serves. The design cuts time and energy required in running to and from the dock, and avoids the need for costly and intrusive pier side charging infrastructure.
The vessel is equipped with a Wartsila W32M Tier IV methanol generator for cold ironing and features e1Marine’s M30 hydrogen reformer technology coupled with PowerCell’s PS-185 Fuel Cell system for fast charging. This combination of commercially available technologies offers exhaust emission reductions of over 70% compared with conventional diesel at equivalent power. Zero full cycle emission is also achievable with an optional Wartsila carbon capture system and certified green methanol fuel.
This capability is integrated into a barge platform less than 70m in length making it safe and convenient for use in busy ports and constricted harbours. Double hull protection of the methanol storage tanks, T1(b) Classification by Lloyd’s Register and Marpol 21.1.2 compliance, further underline its safety and environmental credentials.
