Ulstein has revealed a new hydrogen hybrid wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) design – the ULSTEIN J102.

ULSTEIN J102 WTIV can operate 75% of the time in zero emission mode.

Most new jack-up designs are featuring a battery hybrid system in addition to diesel gen sets, with a future option for hydrogen powered fuel cell system.

The downside however of a high-power battery energy storage system (BESS) is its heavy weight and cost. That is not beneficial for a WTIV design, where weight savings are essential for minimizing Elevated Weight and optimizing the Variable Deck Load.

“We have carefully analyzed the operational cycle of WTIVs and looked at the power demand in the various modes of operations. This analysis showed that ca. 75% of its time, a WTIV is in jacked-up position performing crane operations. Using a combination of a hydrogen fuel cell system and a relatively small battery energy storage system (BESS) is then sufficient to meet the overall power demand on board and crane peak loads.”

Ko Stroo, product manager at Ulstein.

The hydrogen hybrid system of the ULSTEIN J102 design has been developed in such a way, that future developments in hydrogen technology can easily be fitted into the vessel without major modifications.

“The strong focus on renewable energy and emission reduction to meet worldwide climate goals should also be reflected by investments in cleaner operations when installing offshore wind turbines. Hydrogen is one of the most promising zero-emission fuels for offshore vessels and we want to be leading in developing sustainable ships.”

Edwin van Leeuwen, managing director of Ulstein’s Rotterdam design office.