CMHI awards contracts for Awind CSOVs

The new CSOVs will be built to Kongsberg Maritime’s UT 5519 DE design by CMHI, with which KM has a long and close relationship. Scheduled to be delivered in 2023, the vessels are destined for the offshore wind market.

The UT 5519 DE has a novel hull form and propulsion set-up, incorporating results from research and development projects as well as operational experience from KM’s wind farm service vessel designs.

The scope of the equipment supply contract includes permanent magnet Azimuth thrusters, generators, electrical systems, a fully integrated bridge with navigation, DP and automation, deck machinery equipment and control systems.

Propulsion is provided by four KM type US 255 L azimuthing thrusters, two forward and two aft. The thrusters are powered using highly efficient permanent magnet electric motors, mounted vertically. This set-up provides excellent manoeuvrability and station keeping capability and efficiency, important for a vessel that visits a large number of wind turbines each day, with operations comprising close quarters manoeuvring, station keeping and short transits.

The hybrid power system features energy storage systems and a DC main switchboard configured to provide spinning reserve, as well as actively delivering efficiencies during vessel operation through peak shaving, power boost and the possibility of short-term battery operation. This minimises the number of generators running and optimises fuel efficiency. The generator sets are variable RPM, allowing optimum specific fuel consumption even at low loads.

The vessel is also designed to minimise environmental impact in other ways, including underwater noise covered by the DNV Silent (E) class notation, further representing how KM’s next-generation CSOV/SOV designs are prepared for the shift towards zero-emission operation.

The layout of the vessel provides good separation between work and living areas, allowing 24-hour operation and maintaining a high level of living comfort, with accommodation for up to 120 persons.