Seaonics To Commercialize Its Ocean Charger Solution After Successful Testing On Electric SOV

Norwegian company Seaonics has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its Ocean Charger system on an electric service operation vessel (SOV). The tests were carried out using Rem Offshore’s hybrid construction SOV, REM Power, and involved both port-based and offshore high-voltage charging. A charging point was installed on a wind turbine, demonstrating the system’s capabilities in real-world conditions.

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The Ocean Charger system operates using an 11-kilovolt current to deliver 6 megawatts of power, proving that it can be installed on existing turbines and effectively charge an SOV from the start. Seaonics highlighted that the system even worked on smaller offshore turbines, showcasing its adaptability. However, the company noted that future commercial versions would need to be tailored to specific projects, as wind farms and turbines often have different electrical requirements.

By connecting vessels directly to the wind farm’s power grid, the Ocean Charger system allows SOVs to regularly recharge their batteries, reducing the need to return to port and lowering overall fuel consumption. This not only supports more sustainable operations but also helps reduce operating costs for electric vessels, which require less energy and maintenance compared to traditional diesel or fuel-powered alternatives.