Corvus Energy has announced that it will deliver a mega-size battery system for the first fully electric offshore vessel to be built.
The vessel is an electric commissioning service operation vessel (eCSOV) that will be constructed by Armon shipyard in Spain for UK-based shipowner Bibby Marine. Corvus Energy will supply its Blue Whale battery energy storage system (ESS) delivering close to 25MWh of power for the vessel. It will be the largest LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery system yet delivered for a maritime project.
Pål Ove Husoy, VP Sales, Corvus Energy, said: “A fully electric offshore vessel is something the industry has been working towards for a long time and marks a major milestone in offshore vessel operations. This eCSOV will be the first offshore vessel that can operate fully electric for a full day and will set a new standard for future offshore vessels. The unique system design incorporating both battery power and dual-fuel methanol engines will significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency while providing the reliability and performance needed for demanding offshore wind and renewable operations.”
Corvus Energy has been cooperating closely with the shipowner, designer and integrator to dimension and optimise the system design. Unlike conventional hybrid systems, the vessel will use its large battery pack as the primary power source, with engines running solely for charging at a constant, optimised load that maximises efficiency, extends battery lifespan and significantly reduces emissions. The DC grid architecture further enhances overall system performance by minimising energy losses and ensuring seamless power distribution. Offshore charging capabilities will enable simultaneous battery charging while maintaining DP for station-keeping, representing an industry first in the SOV market.
Gavin Forward, New Build Director, Bibby Marine, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Corvus on this pioneering eCSOV project, setting a new benchmark for sustainable offshore operations and driving the future of zero-emission vessel technology.”
Bibby Marine is said to have selected Corvus Energy for its track record in delivering complex vessel projects, while the LFP battery chemistry was chosen for its alignment with Bibby Marine’s eCSOV’s operational profile, offering enhanced safety, longevity and reliability for a project that promises to accelerate the path to net-zero for the maritime sector.
The equipment from Corvus Energy will be delivered to the shipyard in 2026, and the vessel is scheduled for operation in 2027 supporting the commissioning and operation of windfarms.
Image: Corvus ESS will be the primary power source for Bibby’s eCSOV (source: Corvus Energy)
