Construction/pipelay vessel to be retrofitted with ESS

The Seven Arctic is a heavy construction / flex-lay vessel with a total installed power of 27 MW and DP3 classification. The vessel is suitable for worldwide operations in water depths up to 3,000 metres.

Bakker Sliedrecht’s energy storage system consists of two containerised power converters with a nominal power of 3,750 kW each and 1,500 kWh of batteries. The spinning reserve function will enable the vessel to operate safely with fewer diesel generators online and those online with a higher utilisation.

When the peak shaving function is active, the online diesel generators shift in a more optimal range with reduced intermittent starting of an additional generator.

With Ramp Rate Control the online generators are supported by the batteries in strong load fluctuations, improving grid dynamics and stability and reducing wear and tear.

“In line with Bakker Sliedrecht’s strength as an independent system integrator, the Energy Storage System can work with any battery or storage type,” says Bas Oskam, Director Sales at Bakker Sliedrecht. “Furthermore, the control system is designed with maximum autonomy in mind, allowing for integration with different existing power- and vessel management systems on board. This makes the system very suitable to apply in existing vessels.”

Based on the vessel’s operating profile, an estimated reduction of 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions is expected.

“The Energy Storage System is developed in close cooperation with Subsea7 to meet their ambition to make their fleet more sustainable,” says Andy Waterstreet, Project Director at Bakker Sliedrecht. “Before implementation on board, an extensive function and load test program in our workshop will be executed. This will contribute to a shorter duration for implementation and commissioning on board.”

Bakker has been the main electrical integrator on a number of Subsea7’s specialist DP vessels built over the last 15 years and has also provided ongoing operational support on DP and electrical issues. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Bakker with the award of this contract to hybridise Seven Arctic. This represents an important mile-stone in our sustainability programme to reduce our C02 emissions,” said Stuart Smith, Vice President Asset Development at Subsea7.