Norway-based shipowner and operator AquaShip/Intership has contracted Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to deliver a deck-based battery energy storage system to its ‘Grip Explorer’ wellboat.
Under the contract, NES will provide a containerised energy storage system that consists of a Quest battery charger with 1,250kW capacity; a 994kWh battery package capable of operating in peak shaving, spinning reserve and harbour mode; control system; transformer; and upgrading of the current black out safety system (BOSS). NES will support with commissioning of the deck-based system.
NES MD Siv Remøy-Vangen said: “We have delivered this type of containerised energy storage system to a number of offshore vessels, but this is the first time we are installing it onboard a live fish carrier. It reflects the aquaculture industry’s increased focus on energy-efficient marine operations as an enabler to reduce both operating costs and emissions.”
NES, which specialises in sustainable energy design and smart control, will deliver the equipment during 2024. The company will manage the project out of its headquarter in Bergen, Norway.
AquaShip/Intership will install the equipment on board the vessel Grip Explorer, which is currently being converted from an offshore supply vessel to a 3,500m3 live fish carrier. The operator believes that installing the battery package will prove successful, resulting in lower emissions, higher operational reliability and improved on board working conditions.
AquaShip/Intership is an aquaculture service conglomerate with headquarters in Kristiansund and Hareid, offering maritime services to salmon farming companies. With a fleet consisting of 40 different vessels, including wellboats for live fish, support vessels, harvesting boats, feed boats, service boats, and three new boats under construction, the company has a significant presence in Norway, Scotland, Chile, Canada, and Ireland.
Egil Bremnes, sales manager NES, said: “Adding battery power to existing vessels is a growth market, and we are very pleased to get a market breakthrough for our containerised energy storage system in the aquaculture industry. We look forward to collaborating with AquaShip/Intership on this project.”
NES is part of the HAV Group and has operations in Bergen, Egersund and Ålesund in Norway, and Istanbul, Turkey.
Image: ‘Grip Explorer (ex ‘Standard Olympus’) will feature an onboard battery system as part of its conversion from offshore support to live fish transport (source: Norwegian Electric Systems)
