Kongsberg Maritime is to provide an upgrade to Solstad’s subsea construction vessel ‘Normand Sentinel’, which will see the vessel transition to Kongsberg Maritime’s electric rim-drive azimuth thrusters, marking a milestone energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
The Normand Sentinel, measuring 143m in length and boasting long reliable service, is set to receive this upgrade during its next scheduled drydocking. The vessel’s current AZP 120 CP mechanical thrusters will be replaced with RD-AZ2600 rim-drive thrusters.
Tor Johan Tveit, COO Solstad said: “This strategic move supports the green shift by significantly reducing fuel consumption. Additionally, the technology improves the vessel’s operability and capacity, while reducing the maintenance scope. This aligns with Solstad’s continuous commitment to reduce emissions.”
Kongsberg Maritime’s detailed examination of the vessel’s operations revealed that by adopting rim-drive azimuth thrusters, the Normand Sentinel can achieve significant energy savings.
James Poulton, SVP Aftermarket Sales, Kongsberg Maritime, said: “This change is not just a technical enhancement but a strategic move towards sustainability, promising energy savings of up to 16% during transit operations and a significant 40% in Dynamic Positioning (DP) mode. Solstad’s investment in this 10-year-old vessel is a bold statement of their commitment to providing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly maritime solutions. The anticipated energy savings, particularly in DP mode, will ensure the vessel remains a preferred choice in the market. The upcoming upgrade of the Normand Sentinel is a testament to Kongsberg Maritime’s progressive approach, actively embracing technological advancements and innovation for a greener maritime industry.”
In addition to the energy savings, the transition to rim-drive thrusters will lead to a reduction in maintenance costs for Solstad. The innovative rim-drive technology simplifies the propulsion system by minimising the number of mechanical components, which in turn reduces the frequency and complexity of maintenance interventions. This not only enhances the operational efficiency of the Normand Sentinel but also contributes to a lower total cost of ownership, reinforcing Kongsberg Maritime’s commitment to providing cost-effective and sustainable solutions in the maritime industry.
The retrofit process is meticulously planned to be as efficient as possible, requiring no significant modifications to the vessel’s hull and not extending the standard drydocking period. The mechanical interface will be removed, but the existing equipment within the hull will be retained, allowing the new rim-drive thrusters to integrate seamlessly with the existing steering gear.
In November 2023, Kongsberg Maritime and Solstad reinforced their partnership by signing a collaboration agreement focused on decarbonisation initiatives. This agreement underscores both companies’ dedication to enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing GHG emissions across Solstad’s fleet. Additionally, the partnership will explore the integration of innovative digital technologies to further improve operational efficiency.
Solstad operates a fleet of around 40 ships worldwide, all featuring Kongsberg Maritime equipment.
Image: ‘Normand Sentinel’, due to benefit from new rim-drive thrusters (source: Kongsberg Maritime / Saltwater Stone)
