Caterpillar Marine has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Solstad Offshore and Cat dealer Pon Power to identify and evaluate solutions that will increase the fuel efficiency of Solstad’s offshore vessels and reduce their GHG emissions.
Offshore support vessel (OSV) operator Solstad, based in Norway, has about 50% of its global fleet powered by Cat engines. Pon Power is an authorised distributor of Cat power solutions located in Norway. Solstad and Pon Power have worked together for more than 35 years.
Brad Johnson, VP and GM Caterpillar Marine, said: “As part of our effort to help the maritime industry achieve a reduced-carbon future, we’re committed to supporting our customers’ climate-related objectives through methanol-powered solutions. These solutions are fuel-efficient, cost-effective and meet our fuel standards. Solstad and Pon Power are a perfect fit for these efforts.”
Solstad has systematically reduced emissions since 2009, both through operational measures (Solstad Green Operations) and technical upgrades. These efforts have resulted in a considerable reduction of average fuel consumption per vessel. Solstad has a net zero GHG target in 2050 and expects to reduce CO2 emissions through optimised energy efficiencies and retrofitted vessels that operate with alternative fuels such as methanol. Additionally, new ship designs must be capable of offering lower emissions from the outset, and solutions developed by Caterpillar Marine as a result of this MoU will be evaluated for Solstad’s existing fleet.
Tor Inge Dale, sustainability director Solstad Offshore said: “As a vital, strategic partner with Pon Power for more than three decades, we are proud to deepen our collaboration.”
Pon Power is engaged in support of maritime decarbonisation, using emission-reduction technologies to the fullest extent possible. In collaboration with Caterpillar, the company identifies customers’ alternative fuels and electrification options as well as participates in university research, professional society programmes and events with vessel owners, ship designers and yards to advance more sustainable marine power solutions.
Image: Solstad offshore vessel (source: Cat Marine/Solstad)
