Ørsted and Esvagt are to expand their partnership on green offshore operations by signing an agreement for a second green service operation vessel (SOV).
The new SOV is a sister vessel to the world’s first methanol-powered SOV, which was announced in 2022, further deepening the companies’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions from the offshore wind supply chain. The new SOV, 93m long and with accommodation for 124 personnel, will be ready for launch in 2026, where it will operate out of Ørsted’s UK East Coast Hub on a 10-year contract.
The new SOV will be powered by dual-fuel engines, capable of sailing on renewable e-methanol produced from renewable energy and biogenic carbon, which will lead to a yearly emissions reduction of around 4,500t CO2 equivalent. Ørsted has established itself as a pioneer in the field of green maritime fuels by taking Europe’s largest final investment decision on a renewable e-methanol facility, FlagshipONE in Sweden, and Ørsted expects to supply its own methanol for both of the SOVs.
Ørsted aims to become carbon-neutral in its energy generation and own operations by 2025, and the additional, second green fuel SOV will build on that, as Ørsted works towards its science-based target of reaching net-zero emissions across the full value chain by 2040.
Mark Porter, Head of Operations Europe Ørsted, said: “As the world leader in offshore wind, Ørsted will continue to look for the best green alternatives to fossil fuels. E-methanol is a strong match for our SOVs, and we’re very pleased that we, along with Esvagt, will soon welcome the second methanol-powered vessel to our fleet.”
Søren Karas, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer Esvagt, said: “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with Ørsted on this ground-breaking operation. As a global market leader in marine services for offshore wind, Esvagt is deeply committed to continuously innovating to deliver lower emission solutions. We are looking forward to bringing the first methanol powered SOVs to the market”.
Ørsted has implemented a systematic approach for reducing emissions from its offshore logistics through efficiency initiatives, including route optimisations and sailing at fuel-saving speeds. Ørsted has also implemented light hybrid crew transfer vessels for increased fuel efficiency.
Esvagt pioneered the SOV concept and has continued its approach to running an energy efficient, safe marine operation. From hull design and engine configuration to multi-model transfer options, crew training, digitisation and alternative fuels; Esvagt continues to explore all options to advance the green transition and sustainable operations.
Over the past two years, Ørsted has built up a diverse portfolio of green fuel projects, three of which focus on producing e-methanol for maritime transport. The portfolio includes FlagshipONE in Sweden, which is under construction and which will produce 50,000t of e-methanol per year from 2025. Additional projects include ‘Project Star’ on the US Gulf Coast, which will supply 300,000t of e-methanol for A.P. Moller–Maersk’s fleet of zero-emissions vessels, and the ‘Green Fuels for Denmark’ project in Copenhagen, where Ørsted is working with major Danish players in heavy transport, including shipping.
