Wärtsilä hybrid upgrade for Siem PSV

Central to Siem Pride’s conversion will be the Wärtsilä HY Module, a containerised energy management system, which acts as the overall driver for the system, creating a high level of interaction with the ship’s other onboard systems. The installation will be connected to the existing 690 volt main switchboard enabling the engines to run at up to 95% maximum continuous rating without risk of overloading or black-outs.

“When operating on electric power, there will be obvious savings in fuel costs and emissions,” said Steven Gavshon, general manager, projects and operations, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

“Furthermore, when in use, the ship’s engines may operate more on LNG, which further enhances the ship’s environmental sustainability,” he added.

Wärtsilä will supply the hybrid drive, energy management system, transformer, batteries and switchboard modification. The dynamic-positioning system will also be upgraded, while the ship design will be modified for the new arrangement. A deck house containing the equipment will also be installed. Finalisation of the project is projected for April 2022, at which time the vessel will be awarded DNV’s Battery Power notation.

The vessel currently operates with two Wärtsilä 34DF and two Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines, as well as a complete Wärtsilä electrical package, including the integrated automation and power management systems, and the company’s low loss concept power distribution system.