Kongsberg Maritime secures contract to equip Bibby Marine's groundbreaking eCSOV

Kongsberg Maritime’s comprehensive package will be at the core of this advanced vessel’s systems. The company will provide full-electric rim-drive propulsion with azimuth and tunnel thrusters. The scope of supply also includes the automation system, full electrical control system, Dynamic Positioning, and thruster control.

The new eCSOV will feature the largest-ever battery installation on an offshore vessel, with a capacity of 25MWh. Kongsberg Maritime’s equipment will seamlessly integrate with the battery system and optimise the use of energy on board.

UK-based Bibby Marine has commissioned this pioneering service operation vessel from Spain's Armon shipyard. The hybrid vessel will be capable of operating entirely on electricity for a full day, thanks to the 25MWh Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System from Norway’s Corvus Energy. This lithium iron phosphate system, the largest maritime battery installation to date, will enable the vessel to operate on electricity for 24 hours.

The eCSOV will have engines running solely for charging, optimizing efficiency, extending battery life, and reducing emissions. A DC grid setup will minimize energy losses, and offshore charging systems will allow simultaneous battery charging and dynamic positioning.

The vessel is expected to be delivered in 2027.