Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from Norway’s classification society DNV (Det Norske Veritas) for a hybrid system for shuttle tankers that adds electric batteries, and will expand eco-friendly solutions that enable fuel savings.
At the International Offshore Energy Plant Industry Exhibition in Busan, SHI received an AiP from DNV for its Shuttle tanker Battery Hybrid System.
Because oil fields located offshore require crude oil to be received at sea, the vessel’s position is kept constant using dynamically controlled thrusters. The period during which this positioning control is required generally lasts about two to three days, and fuel must be continuously consumed during this time to operate the thrusters.
The hybrid system is characterised by installing batteries on the vessel, securing an auxiliary power source for positioning control through electric power. As a result, the engine load required during positioning operation is reduced, and stable power supply is possible. Moreover, because electricity is used, savings in fuel costs and carbon tax can be expected. Even in the event of a failure of the existing propulsion devices, power can be supplied through the battery, enabling stable operation without problems such as delays in fuelling operations.
Seung-Hyuk Kim, Head of Machinery Engineering, and EVP SHI, said: “Hybrid operation of batteries and engines enables stable power supply. We will expand the development of eco-friendly solutions, including minimising carbon emissions.”
Image: SHI at Korean offshore energy exhibition (source: Samsung Heavy Industries)
