Rolls-Royce expertise is driving the diesel-electric system powering the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s first hybrid vessel, the 44m workboat, the OV Bøkfjord
The Bøkfjord is equipped with an 850 kWh battery pack in addition to a traditional propulsion system comprising three diesel-powered electrical generators. This hybrid configuration allows the vessel to operate in an environment-friendly and fuel-saving way. It also cuts noise and vibration levels on board making the Bøkfjord a more comfortable and better workplace for its crew.
In ordinary service the vessel can operate on a single engine, with the battery pack used to cover occasional peak loads. In addition, the batteries supply power to the vessel when it is docked, so its diesel engines do not have to be kept running. The batteries can also be recharged from an onshore power supply in ports where such facilities are available.
According to John Roger Nesje, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Power Electric Systems – Marine; “At Rolls-Royce we have a strong belief in the future of batteries and electricity. Our experience in all aspects of ship design and construction, means we can help customers, such as the NCA, carefully consider a vessel’s operational profile and identify the optimum combination of technologies to use in order to reduce emissions and achieve improved performance and fuel economy.”
Rolls-Royce has supplied several major components to the new vessel, as well as the diesel-electric system for the main propellers and side thrusters, the propulsion included azimuth propellers and bow thrusters. Rolls-Royce also supplied the automation system, dynamic positioning system (DP), control system and the battery system.
OV Bøkfjord was built at the Danish shipyard A/S Hvide Sande Skibs- & Baadebyggeri, and was baptised at an official naming ceremony in Ålesund on Thursday, 15 September.
(Image top: Courtesy Norwegian Coastal Administration)