ABB electric package for KNOT shuttle tankers

The shuttle tankers will be the first Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers (KNOT) to feature battery technology.

The ABB twin battery package on board each Knutsen ship will have a storage capacity of 678kWh. The energy storage system will be able to ramp up engine responsiveness by working with the ABB MV AC system to control and optimize shaft generator power flexibility.

The energy storage system and energy management system form part of a package of ABB electric solutions, which will achieve significant gains in fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and emissions reduction.

The energy storage system was added at the request of the exploration and production company Vår Energi that has contracted KNOT to operate the shuttle tankers. The system will improve ship performance by optimizing engine responsiveness across the load range.

ABB’s scope of supply will also include the shaft generator system, main switchboards, thruster and cargo pump drive systems, and take care of project management, commissioning and sea trials.

“We have been fully aware of charterers’ increased requirement for sustainability, so it was very important that our first commitment to battery power involved a supplier with a track record of delivering quality, safety and reliability to Knutsen, as well as service and remote expert support,” said Tom Knutsen, Project manager at KNOT. “ABB has significant experience in shipboard energy storage systems, and we are pleased that, on top of cutting emissions, this technology will also reduce OPEX.”

The pair of 124,000 dwt dual-fuel tankers are set be delivered by the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering shipyard in 2022. The newbuild vessels will operate in the North Sea.