Charge Offshore (by MJR) is supporting Smit Terminals Europe and Smit Salvage, part of Boskalis, with a dedicated monopile offshore charging solution as the consortium advances through the preliminary design phase of the Power2Tow project tender.
Led by Dutch government agency Rijkswaterstaat, Power2Tow will support development of three electric emergency response towing vessels (ERTVs), together with the required offshore and onshore infrastructure. The vessels will primarily operate on electric power, with sustainable methanol used for emergency towing operations and range extension. They are designed to help protect North Sea traffic by responding to ships in distress.
Also read: Three consortia to develop zero-emission ERTVs for Rijkswaterstaat
Monopile charging
Charge Offshore’s dedicated monopile charging system will provide these vessels with access to electricity at sea, allowing them to recharge and maintain offshore standby with drastically reduced emissions, while remaining close to the areas where they are needed most.
The monopile is a specialised charging point connected to existing grid infrastructure by a protected undersea cable, installed at an optimal location to provide closer access to energy while minimising collision risk in high-traffic areas. Vessels requiring charge approach the monopile and are connected via an innovative system which offers the greatest levels of safety for crew in challenging North Sea conditions.
Also read: Rijkswaterstaat selects three consortia for electric ERTVs
Access to offshore electricity
Paul Cairns, CEO of Charge Offshore: ‘Emergency response vessels always need to be ready to respond to crises. Usually patrolling or idling far from shore, safe and reliable access to offshore electricity will be essential for supporting their crucial ongoing operations whilst limiting emissions.’
‘Power2Tow provides a perfect opportunity to accelerate the transition to vessel electrification, and we are pleased to bring our offshore power and charging expertise to the SMIT consortium,’ he adds. ‘Our dedicated monopile charging solution will provide safe and dependable charging to the ERTVs in demanding North Sea conditions, improving access to critical charging capabilities right where they’re needed most.’
Picture: The monopile is a specialised charging point connected to existing grid infrastructure by a protected undersea cable (image Charge Offshore).
