Innovative ‘hydrogen-ready’ CSOVs for Østensjø Rederi

Østensjø Rederi’s subsidiary Edda Wind has ordered a pair of commissioning service operation vessels (CSOV) from Spanish shipyard Astilleros Gondan.

The CSOV includes a number of innovative energy saving features, including a first reference for Voith’s new eVSP propulsor. The propulsor features an integrated permanent-magnet electric motor, lowering the weight of the unit, and improving fuel consumption significantly.

In addition to twin Voith Schneider eVSP 1,900 kW propulsors, the vessel also features three Brunvoll Fixed Pitch 1,300kW bow thrusters.

The CSOV’s propulsion system consists of Siemens’ BlueDrive PlusC Star diesel-electric propulsion system and features three Cat 3512E variable speed generating sets with a power output of 1,770kW each.

The CSOV was developed by Salt Design in close cooperation with Østensjø Rederi and Astilleros Gondan. The vessel will also be equipped with a fully integrated energy storage solution.

One of the intriguing aspects of the newbuildings is that Østensjø Rederi is working on developing new technologies based on hydrogen as a safe and efficient energy source.

The newbuilds will be delivered as “hydrogen-ready” vessels, prepared for future installation of hydrogen-based technology.

The facilities include the installation of complete tank systems for hydrogen storage and the allocation of dedicated machinery space for fuel cells. Enova, the Norwegian technology fund, is subsidising the cost of the installations. The technology is intended to be transferable to other shipping segments, according to Enova.

The 88.3-metre vessel will have a beam of 19.7 meters and will accommodate 120 persons in 52 single cabins and 34 double cabins. The vessel has a height adjustable motion compensated gangway with an elevator, and a 5 tonne 3D-compensated electric crane for cargo transfer with a capacity of 33.5 tonnes.

The first CSOV will be delivered in Q1 2022, and the second will be delivered in Q4 2022 from Astilleros Gondan.

Østensjø Rederi has also placed an order for a pair of service operation vessels (SOV) from north Spain-based yard Astilleros Balenciaga.

The 83.4 metre-long, 18.6m beam SOVs from Astilleros Balenciaga are scheduled for delivery in Q1 2022 and Q4 2022.

Edda Wind notes that it has also secured slots for more sister vessels at the yards. Edda Wind announced the agreement of long-term time charter agreements with offshore wind operators MHI Vestas and Ocean Breeze Energy on 26 April for the first CSOV and SOV respectively.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS – CSOV