OHT’S NEW WIND TURBINE INSTALLATION VESSELS to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions with Siemens Energy technology

I am proud to say that Siemens Energy will deliver  and commission a complete electrical system based on Siemens Energy’s well-proven “Bluedrive Plus C” DC grid solution for OHT’s new Wind Turbine Installation Vessels, VIND1&2. BlueDrive Plus C is the world’s most energy efficient electrical solution, in combination with the BlueVault water-cooled battery and the latest version of Siemens Energy’s integrated automation and control system.

The new OHT Wind Turbine Installation Vessel’s (WTIV’s) will be of GustoMSC NG-14000XL-G design, representing the latest addition to the GustoMSC NG series of self-propelled jack-up designs and is prepared for zero-emission operation (H? Ready Design). The OHT vessels are designed and built specifically to install the 14MW+ offshore wind turbines and XL monopiles and will be able to operate with a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared with other existing and new WTIVs. The first unit is scheduled to be delivered in Q2 2023.

These units will be equipped with a GustoMSC crane as well as their well-proven Rack & Pinion Jacking System, which includes a patented Siemens Energy Variable Speed System. This VSD-based R&P Jacking System has successfully been delivered to more than 70 GustoMSC designed jack-up units since 2006, including several Wind Turbine Installation Vessels.

The Bluedrive Plus C DC Grid solution has been installed on more than 70 vessels since 2013 and has proven to be a safe, reliable, and energy-efficient electrical system, significantly reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance costs. The simplicity of the system, with integrated drive technologies and solid-state electronic breakers, allows the naval architects and shipyards to take full advantage of the significantly reduced footprint, volume and weight compared to a regular MV power system.

For the NG-14000XL-G design, the footprint and volume reductions will be around 50% compared to a conventional system, enabling the yard to take advantage of the improved and simplified lay-out of the vessel.

A key element in the Bluedrive Plus C design is the load-based control of the auxiliary engine’s rpm. Compared to traditional, constant-speed engines, variable-speed engines can offer several advantages, such as: reduction in fuel consumption, up to 20% increase in time between overhauls, lower noise emissions, and increased power density with less installation space.

Variable speed units are particularly useful in operating modes with a high percentage of variable loads – such as a Wind Turbine Installation Vessel.

Furthermore, the OHT WTIV’s will be equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueVault Energy Storage System. This “ESS” system will absorb load fluctuations so that the diesel-driven generators will see a lower average load over time. This will further improve efficiency and reduce the running hours of the diesel engines, as the need for “spinning reserves” are eliminated. The BlueVault Energy Storage System includes water-cooled battery modules, which has the best-in-class performance in terms of safety, reliability, and increased lifetime.

Mr. Rutger Baan, Commercial Director of GustoMSC have stated stat GustoMSC is extremely proud to be selected by OHT to provide the NG-14000XL-G design to their new fleet of Wind Turbine Installation Vessels. He also said that Siemens Energy has proven to be a reliable partner in providing innovative electrical control systems. Since the start of our partnership of combining GustoMSC jacking system knowledge with Siemens Energy based VSD solution, we have been able to provide high quality systems to our clients. With the supply of this system, we are making a next step in jacking technology and we are therefore confident that these units will be the new benchmark for energy efficient WTIV’s. These NG-14000XL-G units will be able to safely install the largest wind turbines without compromising its carbon footprint goals.

Mr. Tony Millward, General Manager, WTG, OHT, says that OHT places a great deal of importance on leading in the adoption of environmentally friendly solutions. Our selection of the Siemens Energy solution confirms this. By minimizing the carbon footprint of our vessels, we can contribute to our client’s carbon reduction commitments whilst also offering potential cost savings.

Such low emission vessels will also be more attractive for OHT’s clients, the large wind power companies. One of the largest wind power companies, SiemensGamesa, states that such vessels are attractive for their offshore wind projects. Managing Director Ben Bj?rke of SiemensGamesa Norway states; “For us it is important to complete the installations with lowest possible environmental impact. Low emission Wind turbine installation vessels designed to handle the next generation wind turbines will comply with our ambitions of minimizing the environmental impact from new offshore wind farm projects.”

Mr. Bj?rn Einar Brath, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Norway; “We are honored to be awarded such a prestigious project by OHT, and will ensure that their expectations to the performance of our systems will be exceeded. The technology we will deliver is designed and manufactured in Norway, based on decades of experience handling the harsh environment of the marine and offshore industries.”