UK-based Bibby Marine and consortium partners announces about the successful awarding of funding from the Zero Emission Vessel Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, which will lead to the construction of the world’s first zero-emission electric Service Operation Vessel (eSOV).
Apart from Bibby Marine, the consortium consisting of Port of Aberdeen, Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Kongsberg, DNV, Shell and Liverpool John Moores University all working in collaboration.
The ZEVI award comprises of match funding to build this pioneering vessel which the company states will be the first of its kind and a huge step towards achieving the marine industry’s net-zero ambitions.
The eSOV, operating with a powerful 20MWH battery system and dual fuel methanol engines for back up, along with associated shore-charging facilities, will deliver both emission and cost savings.
“We are excited to receive this funding and to work with our partners to launch the world’s first eSOV – the first new vessel for Bibby Marine in five years. This project is the natural progression of our decarbonisation journey, which began in 2019, to find the right solution to achieve our net-zero goals,” Nigel Quinn, CEO Bibby Marine said.
Additionally, he also added that “We strive to be the UK’s clean and most committed SOV operator, and our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us towards these zero-emission solutions. This project is a crucial part of this vision and is in keeping with our own Compass values, Environmental and Social Governance framework and net zero targets. The project will catapult our efforts for our own green future, resulting in Bibby Marine having one of the most advanced, efficient, and environmentally friendly SOVs on the market.”
