A crew transfer vessel operator that has played a key role in Grimsby’s emergence as the leading offshore wind cluster has revealed a zero emissions concept.
Tidal Transit has worked with leading developers from the port for a decade, embracing recent clean maritime initiatives as those in the industry look at the carbon footprint across all elements. It is now bringing forward specifications for its Real Hybrid CTV.
The company said experience of working for the likes of Orsted, Equinor, RWE, Siemens Gamesa, Vestas and SSE has been used in the development - based on a 27-metre Capilano hull. Power is primarily delivered from modular battery packs, along with generator sets. It will carry between 12 to 24 passengers, up to four 10 ft containers, as well as providing above deck marine crew accommodation.
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Leo Hambro, Tidal Transit's commercial director, said: “With just a 14 to 16 month vessel lead time, I think the timing of our announcement is spot-on! Our market intelligence indicates that the demand for low emissions vessels is likely to undergo rapid expansion over the next few years as offshore wind farm developers and operators seek to minimise carbon emissions from their marine activities.
"Other low emissions vessels claim reductions of emissions by up to 30 per cent, but depending upon the distance of the wind farm from shore, and the working hours operational profile, our zero emission ready Real Hybrid CTV can be a zero emissions vessel.
“Offshore wind’s largest carbon footprint annually is the logistics of servicing the turbines. Our solution not only reduces, and in some cases eliminates, this footprint, but also increases the yield from the turbines by being able to use the electricity from source with zero transmission, substation or grid loss. Depending on the wind farm, the electricity may also be able to be taken pre-meter, making it as close to free as possible."
Headquartered in Norfolk, Tidal Transit has operated from Grimsby from its infancy, christening and showcasing vessels in the port. First contracts saw the company supporting meteorological mast data retrieval from future wind farm zones now built out, with the firm’s first three vessels all first chartered in the town.
Mr Hambro said the MJR Power & Automation offshore battery charging solution is now deliverable, with shoreside charging solutions becoming available across marinas, with ever-increasing power ratings.
“With these developments in infrastructure combined with the right hull form, power packs and propulsion systems, zero emissions offshore wind servicing has become a reality, without the inefficiency of producing, transporting and storing energy intensive green fuels,” Mr Hambro said.
Desktop analysis of real-world operating profiles for multiple sites has shown that the hybrid can save thousands of litres of diesel daily without compromising speed or time in the field. Comparisons have been made against Tidal Transit's existing fuel-efficient fleet along with other similar sized vessels. Even without offshore charging in place many sites in the analysis show a 50 per cent saving in diesel usage. When considering 24 hour operations for sites far from shore, where the vessel stays in the field for up to a fortnight, savings become even greater.
“Several sites off the UK East Coast would be able to save 30,000 litres of diesel or 80 tons of CO2 each fortnight,” Mr Hambro said.
Tidal Transit has now started to hold vessel concept presentations and briefings within the offshore renewable energy industry and the wider marine sector. "The feedback from our initial briefings indicates that the capabilities and specification of our ZE Ready Hybrid CTV concept exceeds the industry's present expectations,” he added.
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