Oasis Marine has transferred power through its Oasis Power Buoy to a crew transfer vessel (CTV), paving the way for hybrid and fully electric vessels to be charged beyond ports and harbours.
During a series of tests in Peterhead Port Authority, energy was transferred via the Oasis Power Buoy (OPB) to a load bank on a crew transfer vessel, through a specially designed deck-head.
Additionally, mooring tests were carried out, where the CTV, GXS Viking, successfully moored to the OPB.
“Innovative developments are being made with the design and production of electrified vessels, but range will always be constrained by battery capabilities,” said George Smith, MD, Oasis Marine.
Re-charging offshore
“The ability to re-charge offshore is crucial for decarbonising maritime. We have proved that the Oasis Power Buoy expands the capability to charge vessels offshore, enabling a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions and fuel costs. This ensures hybrid and electric vessel use can be maximised and is a very encouraging development for the global maritime industry.
He added: “The core principles of the Oasis Power Buoy have been proven and we now have a programme of optimisation over the winter months and final tests next spring, before deploying in an offshore wind farm for a pilot project thereafter.
Support in the trials was received by 23 Degrees Renewables Ltd, GulfXStream Ltd, and JifMar Scotland Ltd.
The design optimises CO2e reduction by supplying renewable power via zero-emission wind power.
The project received UK government funding through Innovate UK and MariUK.
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