Lithium battery system integration helps improve safety, energy efficiencies and reduce environmental impact.

ABS today announced it was selected by SEACOR Marine to class the first offshore support vessel (OSV) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) to operate using hybrid power. SEACOR requested the BATTERY-Li notation for its Maya OSV currently operated by Mantenimiento Express Maritimo SAPI de CV (MEXMAR), SEACOR Marine’s joint venture in Mexico. The OSV is being upgraded to use lithium battery power, with modifications expected to be completed in May 2018.
“ABS recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of hybrid powered vessels to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in the marine and offshore industries,” said ABS Director for Offshore Support Vessels, Dr. Wei Huang. “This milestone reinforces our safety mission and promotes development of alternative power applications and energy storage systems that optimize efficiencies.”
“The hybrid power solution on the SEACOR Maya has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption—by as much as 20 percent,” said SEACOR Manager of Engineering, Tim Clerc. “Integrating new technologies is complex. To help SEACOR realize the benefit of using cutting-edge hybrid power, we partnered with ABS, to class the lithium battery system, to help validate its reliability. The operational savings gained from a hybrid power solution will also reduce emissions and facilitate our compliance to strict environmental regulations.”
SEACOR has engaged ABS to provide the optional BATTERY-Li notation, on three additional OSVs operated by MEXMAR, planned to upgrade to a similar battery system. The conversion to hybrid power for SEACOR Azteca, SEACOR Warrior and SEACOR Viking is expected to be completed in July 2018.