P&O Maritime Logistics, a global provider of maritime services, has announced plans to transform one of its Multi-Carrying Vessels (MCVs) into a Cable-Laying Vessel (CLV) using alternative energy. The company’s first specialized offshore product, the vessel is slated to begin operations in Q3 2024, in line with P&O Maritime Logistics’ pledge to decarbonize the industry by transitioning to zero-carbon operations.
The new CLV, which will have a cutting-edge battery system and a low fuel consumption propulsion layout for green methanol fuel, will allow P&O Maritime Logistics’ clients to link offshore structures and transport offshore energy to the mainland by laying export and inner array cables over long distances. The company predicts that one of the vessel’s primary applications will be linking offshore wind farms to the mainland, which will add to the company’s efforts to enable the Green Energy Shift while also supporting its global expansion plans and product offerings.
Martin Helweg, CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics said: “The conversion of our vessel is a real step change. It means, apart from expanding our existing services and products into a more specialised offering, that we can also make a positive contribution to the decarbonisation of our industry. One way of doing this is by using alternative energy to power the converted vessel. The other important contribution is that the Cable Laying Vessel will predominately support the construction, development, and maintenance of existing and prospective wind farms. Lastly, and by repurposing an existing vessel, we are able to extend the lifetime of this particular product quite significantly to keep up with the increasing demand in the sector.”
Marc van der Zwaluw, Project Manager at C-Job Naval Architects, said: “We are pleased to support P&O Maritime Logistics with the design of a cable-laying vessel by repurposing an existing module carrier vessel. With the increasing demand in the offshore wind sector, this vessel will be able to meet the operational demands for the installation of next-generation windmill infrastructure thanks to its optimised deck layout.Furthermore, in close cooperation with P&O Maritime Logistics, we were able to create a design that was best suited to their operational profile. The design focused on optimised vessel performance and features a DP-2 positioning system and a low fuel consumption propulsion layout that is ready for green methanol fuel and zero emission operations.”
P&O Maritime Logistics’ successful conversion of the Topaz Installer in Taiwan has inspired the company’s newest project, the conversion of an MCV into a CLV with a single basket cable carousel measuring 24 meters in diameter, a core height of 5.5, and a 30-ton SWL AHC subsea crane. With a capacity for 64 seafarers, the new vessel underscores P&O Maritime Logistics’ commitment to adapting its product line to meet future energy demands.
DP World, the parent company of P&O Maritime Logistics, recently commissioned a study to determine the company’s Scope 3 emissions footprint using a spend-based methodology. The report, which will be verified by an external auditor, will be included in DP World’s 2022 Annual and ESG Reports. In 2023, DP World plans to collaborate with key suppliers in top emission categories to establish decarbonization targets and strategies for reducing emissions.
