Offshore wind vessels, such as installation- and maintenance ships, operate in remote and challenging environments, where reliable power and automation systems are paramount. Even the smallest system error can lead to considerable delays and costs, and can even lead to damage to vessel and crew.
- At SEAM, we work with tried and tested components and systems, which facilitate for both operational safety, i.e. through redundancy with multiple energy sources on board, and for future development, says COO at SEAM, Otto Koch.
- We help ship owners choose the appropriate solution for their needs, that also enable a safe transition to future technology. That's why we spend a lot of time and resources on research and development, as well as studies on CBT (Closed bus-tie) and DP (Dynamic positioning) for offshore operations.
As a world-leading supplier of zero-emission solutions for ships, SEAM's goal is to develop and deliver efficient power and automation systems that pave the way for a clean energy future.
They have come a long way in the development of hybrid solutions for vessels going into demanding offshore operations, and have delivered hybrid solutions to around 20 supply ships, construction vessels and offshore wind vessels, such as the battery system of Eidesvik's "Viking Wind Power".
- The benefits of hybrid systems are fairly well known among ship owners today. One example, put in a context of offshore wind operations, are the savings you get with battery-installations for DP-operations. However, the trick is combining a set of different systems into a comprehensive solution that provides safety and reliability, as well as being prepared for future technology, explains SEAM-CTO, Pål G. Eide.
Advanced automation systems play an important role in allowing for the integration of future technology.
- By leveraging flexible and scalable automation platforms, ship owners can integrate advanced autonomous functions without compromising safety or reliability. The modular nature of such platforms ensures that as new functions are added, ship owners can maintain control over the complexity of the systems and ensure that each added function is thoroughly tested and validated, he says.
It's worth mentioning that SEAM has delivered hybrid and fully-electric solutions to a range of other vessel segments - and is the leading system provider for the Norwegian ferry fleet.
- We have accumulated a lot of experience by delivering power and automation systems to a wide range of vessel types. Developing and integrating low- and zero-emission solutions is something we have worked with for quite some time now, and it's fair to say that we are a trusted partner for our customers. Especially for ship owners who are looking to prepare their fleet and secure their investments for the future, says Koch.
- We have delivered hybrid and fully electric systems to 78 vessels. With the help of our own engineers, put into context with CO2-statistics from the EU, we estimate that we have, together with our customers, reduced over 220 000 tons of CO2, he continues.
SEAM's system philosophy is to be an expert partner for ship owners, by knowing what options are available today and what they expect to become viable in the future.
- We develop and integrate systems that allow for integration of future technology at a later date, so that our customers are fully prepared for new demands from both governments and their own customers, Koch says.
- This can be different levels of autonomy, alternative energy sources, and digital solutions for fleet management and maintenance planning, to name a few. We believe that a comprehensive, flexible and future-oriented system, developed and integrated by experts with COTS-components (commercial-off-the-shelf), and access to service 24/7, is the best foundation for increased efficiency, safety and savings for ship owners today.
