Public Funding for Apollo Engineering Consultants Limited

As offshore wind pushes into deeper waters and the supporting fleet strives to decarbonise, limitations are encountered in the charging capacity of electrically-powered marine vessels (marine EVs) that seek to support construction and operations. The option to recharge in the field therefore becomes attractive, both in terms of extending range, and also increasing the workability of marine EVs that might otherwise be confined to relatively short transits to and from shore. This project seeks to trial and advance to commercialisation an innovative method of achieving recharging offshore, the PALM Charger. Based on Apollo's Pull and Lock Marine connection system, the PALM Charger allows a vessel to hook up to an offshore mounted charging point in a single winching operation from its back deck. Minimal bespoke outfitting is needed, no active control systems are used and there is no personnel transfer. The connection operation is swift and rugged. The core infrastructure trials will comprise a 14-day offshore deployment of a test rig onto a moored platform off Orkney. A marine vessel will make repeated connections and disconnections using the prototype PALM Charger system in a range of seastates. Project objectives include: * Demonstrating the mechanical connection system in an offshore environment * Demonstrating the functionality of the electrical connection system * Building understanding of the vessel handling operations * Accumulating reliability data on the system operation * Building understanding of the regulatory and certification context * Refining the commercial design * Developing a marketing plan and business case. Apollo will provide overall project management and engineering, providing their prototype PALM Charger system and evolving the marketing plan and design development. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) will lead the testing operations, working with Leask Marine to set up a test rig and undertake vessel connection/ disconnection operations. As a marine contractor, Leask Marine represent a group of potential future customers, informing the marine operational practicalities and market interest. The outputs of the project will thus advance conversations with developers who are open to innovations, while requiring evidence of reliability to support bankability decisions. While this project focuses on UK offshore wind as a use case, the international expansion of the market will present export opportunities. There are also numerous other sectors where offshore charging of marine EVs would have an application.

The coming years will see a significant increase in marine traffic associated with offshore wind development, at the same time as maritime technology will introduce measures to decarbonise with clean fuels and electrification of vessels. A system of Floating Fuel Depots (FFDs) is proposed as a means of facilitating the supply of fuels to this fleet, while optimising transit distances, reducing emissions and easing pressures on port facilities. FFDs comprise modular moored platforms that are outfitted with plant and storage equipment to support the servicing of marine vessels at optimal locations, close to the construction or operational sites. Through this project, Apollo, EMEC and Aquatera will thoroughly explore the technical and economic potential of the FFD concept, while investigating the environmental, societal and economic opportunity that they present. To demonstrate the potential of the Floating fuels depot project, a network of strategic locations for FFDs will be considered for marine traffic supporting the North Sea Scotwind development. Focussing on future fuel types (including hydrogen, e-methanol and ammonia etc) we will identify optimum location for boats to refuel. These will remove unnecessary additional movements back to ports and harbours, removing journeys which are solely for refuelling, thus reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the efficiency of the entire sector. A concept design will be developed for a modular Floating Fuel Depot system, with emphasis on repurposing of existing infrastructure, considering offshore generation and storage of fuels for the maritime sector. Balancing the key drivers of supply and demand, forecasted traffic, technology availability and initial and through life costs, this study will provide a clear path forward for this concept. Key stakeholders will be consulted to estimate timing, evaluate societal benefit and review all legislation and consenting constraints, producing a solution which brings tangible decarbonisation and commercial benefits across the value chain. Our aim is to progress this project so that it is ready in time to support the rapid expansion in offshore wind (ScotWind and INTOG), support sustainable decommissioning of North Sea oil and gas assets as well as life extension projects, as well as freight and tourism vessels. By considering the specifics of the ScotWind development we aim to inform the potential for the whole maritime sector, both UK and abroad. At the end of the project, Apollo, EMEC and Aquatera look forward to sharing the outcomes and deliverables industry wide.