Norway-based shipowner and operator AquaShip/Intership has contracted Norwegian Electric Systems AS (NES) to deliver a deck-based battery energy storage system to the new Grip Explorer wellboat.
Under the contract, NES will provide a containerised energy storage system that consists of a Quest battery charger with 1,250 kW capacity; a 994 kWh battery package capable of operating in peak shaving, spinning reserve and harbour mode; control system; transformer; and upgrading of the current black out safety system (BOSS). NES will also support with commissioning of the deck-based system.
“We have delivered this type of containerised energy storage system to a number of offshore vessels, but this is the first time we are installing it onboard a live fish carrier. It reflects the aquaculture industry’s increased focus on energy-efficient marine operations as an enabler to reduce both operating costs and emissions,” NES Managing Director Siv Remøy-Vangen said.
NES, which specialises in sustainable energy design and smart control, will deliver the equipment during 2024. The company will manage the project out of its headquarters in Bergen, Norway.
AquaShip/Intership will install the equipment onboard Grip Explorer, which is currently being converted from an offshore supply vessel to a 3,500-cubic-metre live fish carrier.
“We are confident that installing a battery package from NES will be a success. It will result in reduced emissions, higher operational reliability and improved on board working conditions for our crew. We have no doubt that we have teamed up with the right partner for this project,” said Stian Førde, Technical Manager-Electro and Nils Otterlei, Chief Operation Officer at AquaShip.
AquaShip/Intership is an aquaculture service conglomerate with headquarters in Kristiansund and Hareid, offering maritime services to salmon farming companies. With a fleet consisting of 40 different vessels, including wellboats for live fish, support vessels, harvesting boats, feed boats, service boats, and three new boats under construction, the company has a significant presence in Norway, Scotland, Chile, Canada and Ireland.
“Adding battery power to existing vessels is a growth market, and we are very pleased to get a market breakthrough for our containerized energy storage system in the aquaculture industry. We look forward to collaborating with AquaShip/Intership on this project,” NES Sales Manager Egil Bremnes said.
NES is a subsidiary of HAV Group ASA, which is listed on Euronext Growth Oslo. It also has operations in Egersund and Ålesund in Norway, and Istanbul, Turkey.
