Fast Offshore Supply (FOS), one of Asia’s largest offshore crew boat operators, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Terasaki Electric Co, Shift Clean Solutions and classification society RINA to retrofit existing vessels in its fleet with energy storage systems (ESS)
This MoU comes as the global offshore energy industry discusses solutions for green OSVs in Dubai at Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Middle East 2022.
Part of FOS’s green initiative and sustainability programme to cut vessel carbon emissions in the long term, the first phase of the programme under this MoU is to upgrade an existing fast crew transfer vessel by installing new electrical systems and a plug-and-play containerised ESS.
Terasaki Electric will provide its experience in upgrading electrical systems and the power management and integration with the marine battery system; Shift Clean Solutions will provide its marine-approved batteries in containers, which can be lifted on to vessels and replaced when power needs to be recharged; and RINA will review the ESS systems and will provide approval-in-principle and ongoing classification services.
Shift Clean Solution founder and chief executive Brent Perry said these solutions will electrify the advanced crew transfer vessels, and more projects like this will be coming.
“It is a privilege to join forces with forward-thinking organisations and we know this is only the beginning of an impactful and exciting project and wider mission to decarbonise the marine industry as a whole,” said Mr Perry.
Terasaki Electric representative Ryo Katsuki said the vessel upgrades will support FOS and its green sustainability programme.
“With this project, and many to follow, we are determined to show our commitment to working towards a better, healthier, and sustainable environment,” he said.
RINA regional senior director for Asia, Simone Manca said this project comes as maritime industries face unprecedented challenges as environmental regulations tighten.
“FOS, Terasaki and Shift will provide a solution to comply with regulations and contribute to reducing carbon emission in shipping,” Mr Manca said.
FOS operates a fleet of vessels supporting both oil and gas exploration and production for clients such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, CNOOC, Equinor, Eni and ConocoPhilips in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Myanmar, UAE, Nigeria and Australia.
During Riviera’s OSJ Conference in Dubai, experts from class, naval architecture and engine technology companies will review the decarbonisation efforts in the offshore industry, the alternative fuel choices and the latest on clean technologies.
