Østensjø Rederi to upgrade two OCVs

Haugesund-based Østensjø Rederi is to retrofit two offshore construction vessels (OCVs) with Wärtsilä Hybrid Upgrade systems to make engine operation more efficient and cut emissions. The two vessels, Edda Fauna and Edda Flora, were both built in 2008 and the engine modifications are likely to prove attractive to potential charterers.

The Wärtsilä system will include its new electronic direct current (DC) bus link, which will enable the OCVs to operate in DP2 and DP3 modes with a closed DC bus in hybrid, and an open bus on the AC system. As a result, the ships’ engines will not be used as much, thereby saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing maintenance requirements.

“We intend to be a shipping company that leads in sustainable operations,“ declared Egil Arne Skare, chief project officer at Østensjø Rederi, which owns vessels operating in the offshore, towage and floating accommodation sectors. “Today’s carbon footprint is to be reduced through systematic efforts and continued technical development at all levels. This is why we have chosen to upgrade these vessels to hybrid propulsion, which is an area of technology where Wärtsilä excels.”

Wärtsilä claims that its integrated hybrid power module is the first of its type in the marine sector. The system combines engines, an energy storage system, and power electronics optimised by an energy management system, to ensure that energy from different power sources is used as efficiently as possible to supply consumers on board.