Corvus Energy will deliver a mega-size battery system for what the company claims will be the first fully electric offshore vessel ever 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 Ltd.
Corvus Energy is a supplier of zero emission solutions for the offshore and marine industry with its headquarters in Nesttun
Norway. The company will supply its Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) delivering close to 25 MWh of power for the vessel. It will be the largest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system ever delivered to a maritime project.
‘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,’ says Pål Ove Husoy, VP Sales at Corvus Energy.
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Batteries as primary power source
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 utilise 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 innovative DC grid architecture further enhances overall system performance by minimising energy losses and ensuring seamless power distribution. Additionally, offshore charging capabilities will enable simultaneous battery charging while maintaining DP for station-keeping, representing an industry first in the SOV market.
Husoy: ‘This eCSOV will be the first offshore vessel that can operate fully electrically 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.’
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Accelerating the path to net zero
Gavin Forward, New Build Director at Bibby Marine, comments that the company selected Corvus Energy ‘for its proven track record in delivering complex vessel projects, while the LFP battery chemistry was chosen for its alignment with our 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.’
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.
Picture: The eCSOV will have almost 25 MW of Corvus battery installed and will be the world`s first fully electric offshore vessel (artist impression by Bibby Marine).
Also read: World’s largest battery-powered vessel under construction
