Belgian offshore wind energy firm Parkwind has successfully installed its first charging station for electric ships at the Nobelwind offshore wind park. Located 47 kilometers off the Belgian coast in the North Sea, this groundbreaking system allows Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV) and Service Operation Vessels (SOV) to charge directly from the wind turbines.

The charging system, developed in collaboration with UK-based MJR Power & Automation, can deliver up to 2MW and 8MW for CTVs and SOVs, respectively. Notably, it features an innovative cable system with "full passive and active compensation mode," which adjusts to the ship's movements caused by sea currents, ensuring a secure connection without disconnection.

This hands-free operation allows vessels to charge while at sea, using green energy generated directly at the wind park, significantly reducing the reliance on diesel generators and cutting emissions. The charging station also has the capability to supply offshore power to conventional vessels on standby, further enhancing its environmental impact.

The installation and commissioning of the system were completed in just two days, a testament to the efficiency of the setup. According to Kristof Verlinden, head of operations and maintenance at Parkwind, this advancement is a significant step toward making the company's operations more sustainable.

Source: electrive.com