First Americas PSV hybrid retrofit

A hybrid retrofit, featuring an energy storage solution from the Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, will be installed on the Harvey Energy platform supply vessel (PSV) owned by Harvey Gulf International Marine of New Orleans. It will be the first LNG fueled, and first hybrid retrofit, PSV in the Americas, according to the two firms. Wärtsilä announced the contract this earlier this month. The 1,450 kW battery hybrid solution will reduce ship’s exhaust emissions, fuel consumption, and noise level. Fuel cost savings are expected to be 10-to-20 percent. HGIM chose Wärtsilä as a partner years ago because of its experience in LNG and dual-fuel engine technology, which fit well with Harvey Gulf’s mission to “have the most fuel efficient environmentally friendly fleet of platform supply vessels in the Americas,” said Shane Guidry, Chairman/CEO of Harvey Gulf. Wärtsilä has completed several European PSV hybrid retrofits. (Source: Work Boat 04/09/19)