Acceptability of Decarbonization Technologies available for Offshore Support Vessels

Abstract

Offshore support vessels (OSV) and similar vessels utilized in supporting offshore oil & gas activities have an operational profile, that is different to that of seagoing cargo ships. Energy efficiency technologies that are suitable for commercial ships engaged in long voyages are non-viable for OSVs. However, the highly fluctuating load characteristics of the OSVs makes them highly suitable for certain other technologies like Variable frequency drives and shore side electricity, along with other solutions utilizing Biofuels, hydrogen fuel, methanol-based solutions and so on. This paper shortlists the technologies that contribute to decarbonizing the OSV sector based on their techno-commercial viability for use on OSVs. The criteria based on which the various stakeholders in the industry select the suitable technology on their ship are identified and defined. A survey is conducted among industry stake holders to assess the importance that they give to the criteria. Acceptance of these technologies in the industry is assessed by formulating an Acceptability index (AX) based on the survey conducted. A.X thus arrived at, can be used by the industry as a reference for selecting suitable options.