Eight-PSV propulsion order for GE

Four of the PSVs are being built by Universal Shipbuilding Corporation in Japan and the remaining four by Estaleiro Ilha in Brazil. The PSVs are designed to provide more rapid transit times between the home port, and the oilfield, at reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Each will feature diesel electric propulsion systems driving GE’s Inovelis podded propulsion units. Inovelis is a pushing pod based on pump jet principles featuring a fixed stator vane and a nozzle. The vane and nozzle interact to guide the water flow across the propeller blades and housing. The company claims that this minimises wasted propulsion force and saving the fuel that is expended in trying to compensate for this lost thrust. The optimised hull form is designed to integrate with the propulsion unit, providing improved efficiency, directly influencing fuel economy and consequently reducing emissions.

GE’s scope of supply includes diesel engine-driven alternators as well as main and auxiliary switchboards. The propulsion system will comprised the Inovelis podded propulsion units, thruster motors and variable frequency drives for the podded propulsion units and for the tunnel thrusters and the C- Series dynamic positioning and vessel automation systems. Elements of GE’s delivery for these ships will be manufactured locally in Brazil where GE has invested heavily in production facilities for motors, alternators, variable frequency drives, distribution equipment, DP and automation as well as support services including technical assistance, spare parts and training facilities.

GE will deliver its equipment to the two shipyards between May 2013 and February 2014. The first PSV is expected to enter service in September 2013 and the last in September 2014. GE Power Conversion – formerly known as Converteam – says that these orders reflect the continued growth in the global offshore oil and gas sector—including in Brazil and the Atlantic basin—that is driving the demand for more advanced support vessels.