Technologi

"This groundbreaking technology represents a milestone for Eidesvik Offshore" says Jan Fredrik Meling, CEO of Eidesvik Offshore ASA

The FellowSHIP project, initiated in 2003, aims to develop and demonstrate complete integrated hybrid fuel cell systems in ships, and to qualify that technology for future use. Results from the initial research phase conclude that fuel cell technology can be applied in commercial shipping in the near future. On this basis, a full-scale demonstrator of an auxiliary power plant is planned for 2008 on a Eidesvik Offshore vessel.

The Project is led by DNV and includes the companies Eidesvik offshore ASA, MTU CFC Solutions GmbH, Vik-Sandvik and Wärtsilä Automation Norway. The first phase also included Wallenius Marine and Wärtsilä Corporation.

Clean, efficient and comfortable

There are numerous advantages to this groundbreaking technology. The power plant efficiency, the operational costs, and the reduction of emissions are significantly improved in relation to conventional engines.

The only “exhaust” of fuel cells is heat and water. If fuelled by carbon-containing fuels such as natural gas, the exhaust will contain CO2, but reduced by up to 50% compared to diesel engines run on marine bunker fuel. Fuel cell technology is inherently silent and vibration-free. This increases passenger comfort and improves the working environment for the crew. Further, the simpler designs with fewer moving parts require far less maintenance. Also, fuel cell technology is modular, enabling systems to be configured for efficient use of onboard space. This versatility, coupled with reduced costs and clean emissions, makes fuel cell technology the bow wave of the future of commercial shipping.

Eidesvik has extensive experience as a leading innovator in offshore vessels sollutions and operations:

1992: M/V Geo Explorer, First 3D vessel in operation

1996: M/V "Viking Lady" delivered, Largest PSV in the world.

1998: M/V "Viking Poseidon" delivered, the first Multi Purpose Supply Vessel (MPSV)

1998: M/V "Veritas Viking" delivered, the first of three Viking Class seismic vessels.

1999: M/V "Subsea Viking" delivered, specially designed DP3 vessel for subsea IMR work

2001: Started development of Light Well Intervention Vessel (LWIV)

2003: M/V "Viking Eneregy" delivered, the first LNG fuelled PSV

2003: FellowSHIP was started. A joint industry project for development of fuel cell technology for ship power production. Eidesvik together with Det Norske Veritas, Vik-Sandvik, Wärtsilä Ship Automation and CFC Solutions.

2004: M/V “Viking Avant” delivered. A new PSV design for safer operations and especially equipped for operation in the Barents Sea. The accomodation block located aft gives less motions and vibrations and thus improved working environment.

2006: Ulstein SX 121 construction vessel with X-bow ordered.

2007: Two Ulstein SX 120 seismic vessels with X-bow orderd. The X-bow provides favourable performance in head seas to give the vessel more stable progress. This is favourable for seismic survey.

2007: M/V “Acergy Viking” delivered. Specialised ROV& Survey vessel.

2007: FellowSHIP Phase II started with planning of qualification test of a 320 kW fuel cell onboard onboard a gas powered PSV.

2008: M/V “Viking Queen” delivered. Our second gas powered PSV. This one with Avant design.