PK-164-LNG: Vigdis H
Designed by: Polarkonsult AS | Client: Seaworks AS
Valuable self-unloading experience in Seaworks
The distance between the headquarters of Polarkonsult and Seaworks in Harstad, both leading companies in their fields, is only a few hundred meters. Short distance and mutual marine interest led their skilled professionals together many times in the past. Polarkonsult was engaged by Seaworks for several jobs in connection with the company’s bulk and cable laying vessels. The cooperation with Seaworks was good and trusting, and Polarkonsult’s commitment to the reconstruction of Geir Tore H was a good basis for further cooperation on self-unloading vessels.
In 2012-13, Seaworks had taken delivery of two self-unloaders, Helene H and Martin H, from a Turkish shipyard. The vessels worked very well for the company’s activity in the market for self-unloaders. The vessels was designed with conventional diesel–powered propulsion and featured relatively modest machine power, thus faced some challenges in bad weather.
Environmental focus and operational safety priority
In 2016, Seaworks and Polarkonsult management engaged in talks and exchanged ideas about a larger and more environmentally friendly vessel. Seaworks wanted to build on the experience gained from the three previous vessels. The shipping company already received signals indicating that customers in the bulk market would gradually put greater emphasis on the environmental aspect and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Polarkonsult’s thoughts and ideas about technology for a low-emission vessel triggered interest at Seaworks. Preliminary sketches and thoughts were developed, but the work did not really take off until January 2020 when Seaworks and Polarkonsult established a formal agreement on project development.
Zero-emission fuel alternatives such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia were considered during the development phase. However, due to concerns about availability of such fuels in the relevant areas, they were deemed less suitable alternatives. Given Seaworks commitment to environmental concerns, the vessel was fitted with an LNG fueled propulsion plant. This choice offers a reduction in CO2 emissions by 25-30 per cent. The selected engine is also designed to run on biogas, LBG. According to plans, the vessel will be running on biogas after 2026, despite its current higher cost as it is a more environmentally friendly option with zero CO2 emissions in practice.
Did you know this about the vessel?
Vigdis H is a hybrid powered vessel. In addition to running on a more environmentally friendly fuel, the propulsion and energy system also comprises an on-board battery pack of 923 kWh.
At moderate speeds, the vessel may run completely silent and emission free on electric propulsion powered by the battery pack. The loading and unloading equipment for cargo will also be fully electric and can run a complete discharge cycle on batteries alone. The vessel will also be one of the first of its kind with an all-electric excavator and conveyors.
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The hybrid powered vessel Vigdis H runs on environmentally friendly fuel, supported by an energy system comprising an on-board 1 Megawatt battery pack.
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The vessel is one of the first of its kind with all-electric excavator and conveyors.
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According to plans, the vessel will be running on biogas after 2026.
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Designed and built on the other side of the earth during the pandemic.
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NOx-fund and Enova grants were crucial.
The Journey
Crucial collaboration with equipment suppliers during pandemic challenges
Project development took place in 2020. The environmental aspect was emphasized, the diesel alternative was abandoned, and batteries were chosen together with LNG as fuel. Polarkonsult and Seaworks applied for– and received grants from both the NOx–fund and Enova. These were crucial milestones that marked the start for Seaworks and Polarkonsult to enter the global market with a request for construction in the summer of 2020. There was substantial interest in construction, but many shipyards were unfamiliar with the systems on board, particularly the self-unloading equipment, which was unknown to many shipyards. The cooperation with Norwegian equipment suppliers was crucial in the development of the project, and both Seaworks and Polarkonsult placed great effort on bringing reputable Norwegian equipment suppliers on board.
The global COVID-19 pandemic struck the world and Norway in the winter of 2020, at the same time as the agreement with Seaworks for engineering was established. All meetings with Seaworks, shipyards, equipment suppliers and other key parties were held online. Polarkonsult was already well equipped and familiar to digital communication channels before the pandemic, due to running multiple projects in different parts of the world. The close physical contact, often crucial for quick actions, did not materialize. In addition, the global time difference posed a challenge in that the time window for meetings were limited. Despite these challenges, Polarkonsult and Seaworks managed to negotiate good offers from several yards, both in Europe and Asia.
Vigdis H: a route to Harstad
The contract with Wuhu Shipyard Co., Ltd. was signed on February 4th, 2021, almost exactly one year after Polarkonsult and Seaworks started the engineering works. Polarkonsult established an agreement with the yard for delivery of a detailed drawing– and documentation package for construction and approval. Polarkonsult carried out the delivery in its entirety largely in the calendar year 2021 and before construction began in the winter of 2021/22.
During the construction phase, Polarkonsult also assisted the shipyard and the ship owner on the engineering aspects. Our commitment to the project continued until the delivery of the vessel.
The vessel was delivered in September 2023 and is planned to arrive in Harstad in end January 2024 after the self-unloading equipment is assembled at South Norway.
Timeline
3D renderings
Front, back, side and top view of Vigdis H. Rendered images.
Technical data
General data about the design & design highlights
PK-164 LNG EcoBulk is a specialized ship for bulk cargo transportation. It is equipped as a self-discharger with an electric excavator and conveyor belt for direct delivery of products to the construction site.
The bridge is equipped with the latest technology in navigation and communication. All navigation and communication equipment is able to satisfy GMDSS, sea area 3.
79,50 m
Length overall
16,50 m
Beam, mld
7,10 m
Depth to main deck
5,72 m
Max draught
3900 t
Deadweight
10 kn
Service speed
4500 cbm
Cargo hold
923 kWh
Battery pack
Technical drawings
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