Shanghai Salvage Bureau selects GE Marine Solutions for deep-water dive support vessel
In July, Shanghai Salvage Bureau (SSB) selected GE’s Marine Solutions to equip its newest deep-water dive support vessel (DSV) with a suite of marine technologies. This will include power and propulsion equipment, dynamic positioning (DP) and automation and control systems. Once delivered, the vessel will be the world’s first deep-water DSV fitted with a multi-saturation diving system, and will facilitate diving operations at depths up to 500m and salvage work at 6,000 meters.
In order to be able to keep the vessel ‘on station’ while operating in tough offshore environments and challenging weather conditions, the vessel will feature GE’s latest technology – SEASTREAM DP system (Class 3). The technology will enable safe and efficient control of the ship’s position and orientation through the use of multidirectional thrusters and sensors to monitor real-time wind, current and wave conditions and automatically activate the propulsion units to counteract the environmental forces.
“This vessel will be the best of its class anywhere in the world. The sophisticated electrical system, including an innovative closed-ring arrangement of the propulsion switchboard, is a top priority for us to achieve our design goals. Undoubtedly, reliability of the technology onboard the ship is of paramount importance, and that requires an experienced partner,” said Huang Yan, project director, SSB. “We are pleased to work with GE to ensure that the deep-water DSV will be one of the most advanced of its kind in the world.”
GE’s deep domain expertise will also contribute to optimising fuel consumption thus reducing power consumption, operational costs and emissions. Its Ecomagination energy-efficient mode uses advanced algorithms to optimise both vessel heading and the number of generators needed for operation. Additionally, the vessel will be powered by an electric power and propulsion system, including GE’s 4,656kw generators, switchboards and medium-voltage frequency drive propulsion controllers as well as a vessel automation and control system, all configured for optimum power and propulsion performance. The main propulsion switchboard will be arranged in a closed-ring configuration to get to maximum efficiency and availability.
“Thanks to the GE Store, we are able to provide a suite of marine technologies through a blend of high competence in one integrated package,” said Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions. “This is one of the landmark projects in the offshore marine industry, and we are excited to be part of the journey.”
Alix Valenti
