Atlantic Offshore and Ocean Response

Multi-role Rescue Vessel (MRV) and Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) specialist Atlantic Offshore recently took its active fleet number to 19 vessels (six newbuilds are also under construction), with the delivery of the Ocean Response (pictured).
Built by nearby Bergen shipyards, the vessel is the first of its kind to use a configuration of varying sized Wärtsilä engines (two of the Wärtsilä 6L32 models and two 6L20 generating sets) to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Roy Wareberg, CEO, Atlantic (pictured)  explained, “The vessel has a sister ship, built back in 1985, called the Ocean Troll (an AHTS). It has the same power output – 12,000 bhp – the same bollard pull and is the same size (75m long, 18m wide) as the Ocean Response. However, the emissions are a staggering 90% lower for the new vessel.” Wareberg details that this is achieved predominantly through the engine arrangement, which also delivers huge cost efficiencies, with only around 40% of the fuel (compared to the older vessel) used on like-for-like operations. “In the Troll, we have four engines of approximately 3,000 bhp. In Ocean Response, we have four engines of varying size linked by a power management system that chooses what engine, or configuration of engines, to call upon dependent on the power that is required.”
 “So, at every moment you have only the exact bhp you need - not 3,000 (at least), or 6,000 or 9,000. It’s sensational. As we were the first to do it with Wärtsilä engines we were a little nervous, but, after just one month in operation (it was delivered in March 2013) it’s performing above all expectations.”
Norwegian oil major Statoil is also reported to be happy with the innovative approach to engine, fuel and environmental management. The firm has engaged Ocean Response on a 15-year time-charter agreement.

 

(As published in the May 2013 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - www.marinelink.com. This was part of a bigger story, "Home Grown Marine Tech," which featured four leading technologies emerging from Bergen, Norway.)